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RONNIE O’SULLIVAN is feeling a level of passion for snooker he hasn’t experienced since he was 14 years old.
The 49-year-old champion claims that he isn’t thinking about retirement just yet.
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O’Sullivan remains a key figure in the sport, though he has encountered difficulties lately, suffering eight defeats in 21 matches this season.
His recent performances have seen him fall short from winning positions.
Thus far this year, he has secured only one ranking title—the World Grand Prix—while players like Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson have taken the spotlight.
When asked about the potential for fans to witness his slow retirement, the Rocket conveyed that his love for the sport remains strong.
O’Sullivan stated: “I wouldn’t say it’s the end. I’m definitely planning to keep playing.
“The joy I’ve been finding in playing snooker lately feels just like when I was 14.”
“I’m not going into detail, but I’m really enjoying it. It’s a bit strange.
“Last year I didn’t perform well and started this year poorly too. I won five tournaments last year and reached a few semifinals, but I wasn’t enjoying playing at all. Honestly, I felt completely drained. The thought of competing was overwhelming.
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“I was dealing with performance anxiety, struggling with my shots. After taking a couple of months off, I managed to sort a few things out and find enjoyment in it again.
“In my last three tournaments, I played quite well. Maybe I was just a bit too open. It’s crucial to win those safety battles against opponents.
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“You need to force your opponents to earn their points, which hasn’t been the case recently.
“I don’t panic or fret. I’m genuinely unconcerned. If I were, I might feel anxious.
“I realize I’m approaching the end of my career, so it feels less significant now.”
O’Sullivan is scheduled to compete tonight in the quarterfinals of the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship.
This event marks the return of the 20-point Gold Ball and includes the chance to achieve a 167—a feat that now comes with a $1 million (£790,000) bonus.
Saudi organizers have made substantial investments to create an academy in the desert city named after O’Sullivan, but the likelihood of establishing a similar facility in the UK for local talent appears bleak.
O’Sullivan humorously remarked: “Funding it by yourself isn’t easy.
“There are costs for rent, tables, staff… based on a snooker player’s prize money, I’d likely end up bankrupt!”
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