Solely as soon as in 20 years has the 48-year-old O’Sullivan misplaced his opening match on the Crucible.
However earlier in April, O’Sullivan misplaced the Tour Championship ultimate to Web page’s buddy and mentor Mark Williams, though Web page says he is not going to be in search of recommendation from his fellow Welshman.
“There are not any ideas in relation to that. You have simply bought to play your greatest towards Ronnie, when you do not play effectively then you do not actually win, if I play effectively I can,” Web page stated.
“You have to assault him and simply play your greatest, you’ve got simply bought to maintain him off the desk, so if I play effectively I can do it however we’ll quickly see.”
That is the second time Web page has certified for the Crucible. In 2022 he beat Barry Hawkins earlier than shedding to Williams within the second spherical.
“He battered me two years in the past,” added Web page. “Like Mark, I’ve all the time been calm and down to earth. I study off Mark in lots of different methods, like on the desk.
“Two years in the past I certified the exhausting manner by profitable 4 video games and it was expertise, particularly profitable a recreation. I am simply so relieved to be again there so shortly.
“It is utterly totally different to some other occasion I’ve performed in. The ambiance is immense, I believe partly from watching it once you develop up after which to be there’s something else.
“I’ve all the time needed to be the very best and have all the time needed to win match.”
Web page and Williams are joined within the match by 4 different Welsh gamers – Jak Jones, Ryan Day, Jamie Jones and Dominic Dale, who’s taking part in on the Crucible for the primary time since 2014.
