Ronnie O'Sullivan has dropped a significant hint about his future in snooker as he prepares for the World Snooker Championship, where he seeks a record-extending 12th title. The 50-year-old icon, known as 'The Rocket,' has reflected on his longevity and the challenges of competing at the highest level.
O'Sullivan on Father Time and Future Plans
Speaking about his career, O'Sullivan admitted that Father Time is his toughest opponent. 'It doesn't mean I'm going to play for another five, 10 years, trust me. Listen, it has to work for me. This has to be just a fun project, hobby, if you know what I mean. So, as long as certain things are good off the table, then I'll keep pitching up playing,' he said.
He added: 'But I've always got my eyes on other things because I don't want to be doing this for my whole life. I'd like to be part of a team for whatever I do in the second part of my life and snooker you just have to do it all by yourself.'
Comparing Snooker to Team Sports
O'Sullivan expressed envy for team sports athletes. 'I wish I was a footballer or playing in the NFL or something where you can ask the boss if I could have a month off, or please don't let me play against him because I don't like playing against him,' he remarked.
He contrasted his career with boxing, where opponents are often hand-picked. 'But my whole career has been like: You've got to be here this time, play that person. And I've had to play all the best players of different generations.'
The Secret to Longevity: Dr Steve Peters
O'Sullivan credited sports psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters for his sustained success. 'I have a good relationship with Steve. I do a lot of the work anyway. I've worked hard, so I don't sort of take up a lot of his time because he's obviously a busy guy,' he explained.
'But we had a meal this week, just like a little booster session and I've got everything pretty much in place. I'm always learning stuff from him. Just to how the mind works and how can you control it under pressure.'
Rivalry with Higgins and Williams
On his rivals John Higgins and Mark Williams, O'Sullivan noted stylistic differences. 'I think I find it easier playing Mark than I do John. I think John enjoys playing me, I enjoy playing Mark, and Mark enjoys playing John. John doesn't like playing Mark. It's strange, but it's styles, whatever it is. That's how I've always seen it.'
O'Sullivan begins his World Championship campaign against John Higgins at the Crucible. He remains focused on the tournament but admits his future in the sport is uncertain beyond this year.
