Daniel Wells is determined to prove Ronnie O’Sullivan wrong after facing harsh criticism from the snooker legend. During the 2023 Welsh Open, O’Sullivan, working as a pundit on Eurosport, advised Wells to stick to playing part-time rather than pursuing a return to the professional circuit, stating that Wells lacks the mental fortitude required for sustained success.
Despite O’Sullivan’s discouraging comments, Wells defied expectations by reaching the last 16 of the same tournament and even defeating Judd Trump, the current world number one. Undeterred by the criticism, Wells successfully reclaimed his spot on the World Snooker Tour.
Currently positioned 41st in the global rankings, Wells has demonstrated notable achievements this season, including making it to the semi-finals of the Xi’an Grand Prix, where he was ultimately defeated by Mark Williams, the eventual champion.
As he prepares for UK Championship qualifying, Wells acknowledges that O’Sullivan’s remarks serve as motivation for him to push harder. While acknowledging the impact of O’Sullivan’s words, Wells remains resolute in his determination to succeed, emphasizing that proving doubters wrong adds an extra layer of motivation for him.
Reflecting on his journey, Wells highlights his progress and success in snooker, emphasizing that pursuing his passion has been more financially rewarding than his previous job. Despite the initial sting of O’Sullivan’s criticism, Wells views it as a driving force towards achieving his goals.
On the other hand, O’Sullivan faced a defeat in the first round of the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, losing 4-0 to Shaun Murphy. Murphy’s swift victory over the 49-year-old sets the stage for an exciting quarter-final match against current world champion Zhao Xintong at the upcoming UK Championship, commencing on November 29.
