Ronnie O’Sullivan’s mixed doubles team-mate shares what it’s really like playing with him | Other | Sport

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s mixed doubles partner Reanne Evans claimed the Rocket’s behaviour at the snooker table came as a surprise. Evans partnered O’Sullivan at last season’s World Mixed Doubles, where the duo finished third overall.

Recalling her experience with O’Sullivan, Evans told WST: “He is the best there has ever been and best there ever will be. It was just fascinating to see he is human and normal.

“We were having conversations, he was saying he didn’t know when to go for his shots depending on who he was following. Just all the things which I was thinking as well. I didn’t expect that.

She added: “We play exhibitions together and I get on with him. To hear his thought processes and get some words of wisdom was really helpful. It is just an honour to be sat in the seat beside Ronnie. It is an honour to play with these players.”

The partnership wasn’t successful in the end, with O’Sullivan and Evans failing to reach the final of the 2022 World Mixed Doubles. O’Sullivan isn’t due to take part in this weekend’s edition, but 12-time women’s world champion Evans will be making a return, joining forces with Luca Brecel.

On the world No.4, Evans said: “Luca is so good to watch. He’s natural and goes on instinct. Luckily for me he is coming into a bit of form. He is just fantastic.

“I’ve known him for quite a few years from his junior days when we used to travel on the amateur scene. It is great to see how far he’s come and what he’s achieved. Hopefully we can have some fun out there.

« Last year it was into the unknown and we didn’t know what to expect. This time we know the format and what to expect. There is still pressure on us to try and perform. This time I want to enjoy it a bit more and go with the flow. Basically be a Luca! »

As well as Evans and Brecel, three more star-studded duos will compete at the two-day event in Manchester. Judd Trump and Baipat Siripaporn have been matched together, while Mark Selby will contend alongside Rebecca Kenna. There will also be a chance for Neil Robertson and Mink Nutcharut to defend their crown, with the pair having tasted glory in the mixed doubles last time around.