Ronnie O'Sullivan has dropped another retirement hint after winning the World Championship, suggesting he may be nearing the end of his illustrious career. The seven-time world champion, who turns 50 next month, has often stated his desire to quit snooker while still enjoying the sport.
Following his victory over Allan Taylor in the final qualifying stage of the International Championship, O'Sullivan revealed he is experiencing more joy in the game than he has for over a decade. 'It never feels like a grind when you're cueing well,' he said. 'I'm enjoying playing more than I have done for maybe over a decade.'
In April, O'Sullivan pledged to retire 'with a smile on my face,' telling the Daily Mail: 'I don't want to finish my career feeling like I wasn't really performing to the level that I know I can. I'd like to go out with a smile on my face.' He added that he would give himself two years to 'repair' his game, calling it 'probably the last one I'll ever have to do as a snooker player.'
Despite his recent form, O'Sullivan remains ambitious, aiming for one more world title. 'I'm going to aim for another two or three world titles, knowing I won't get three, I probably won't get two but I might get one,' he told the Express. The Rocket recently relocated from the UK to Dubai with his wife Laila Rouass, seeking a quieter life and better practice facilities.
