‘I want to try to get out of snooker as quickly as I can,’ says O’sullivan after Masters exit
Ronnie O’sullivan says that he wants to quit snooker as soon as possible and remains adamant he will miss this year’s World Championships to film a TV show.
The five-time winner was dumped out of the Dafabet Masters by Mark Allen and said he felt relieved he did not reach the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace after feeling ill all week.
Snooker fans will hope that’s not the last they see of “The Rocket”, with his future in the sport plunged into more doubt.
The 42-year-old revealed he is close to agreeing a deal to film his TV show Hustle, where he challenges people to a game of pool, in Australia during the World Championships.
“I know people did not take me seriously but I probably will miss this year’s World Championship,” he said.
“I come back to snooker for different reasons but it is a time-passer for me.
“I want to try to get out of snooker as quickly as I can. I play because I have some snooker fans that love to watch me play so I do a few tournaments.”
O’sullivan was outplayed by Northern Ireland’s Allen and the 31-year-old claimed a 6-1 win to book a semi-final against either John Higgins or Ryan Day.
Scotland’s Higgins is a man on a mission this week as he attempts to improve his disappointing Masters record.
The 42-year-old Wishaw cueman is a two-time winner but admits he has neglected the tournament in the past and put more focus on ranking events.
However, ahead of tonight’s match with Welshman Day, he insists it is something he wants to change. “I think my record has been poor but I have probably enjoyed Christmas too much,” he said.
“I know it is a big money tournament but I think I have always been thinking about ranking events more.” ● Watch the London Masters live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with Colin Murray and analysis from Neil Robertson, Jimmy White and Neal Foulds.