Ronnie O'Sullivan has assured fans his cue is in fine working order ahead of his World Championship defence, despite recent issues that contributed to five consecutive final defeats this season. The 45-year-old reigning champion lost 10-4 to Neil Robertson at the Tour Championship, following earlier losses at the Players Championship, Welsh Open, Scottish Open and Northern Ireland Open.
O'Sullivan had complained about his cue after a first-round win over John Higgins at the Tour Championship, describing it as 'irretrievable' and saying he needed a new one. However, speaking on a Facebook live stream, he said: 'The cue's great. John and Paul have done a great job on it. I've managed to find a spare cue as well so next time my tip goes 'see you later' I've got a cue I can just whip out and play with.'
The six-time world champion also joked about using two cues in a match, saying he might play one frame with one cue and another with the other 'just for the cheek of it'. He added: 'I've done everything that probably no-one else has done. I'll definitely play a couple of frames with one cue and the others with another.'
O'Sullivan also clarified he is not retiring from snooker, after a Facebook post sparked speculation. He announced a partnership with ROKiT and said he wants to be known as 'Ronnie the ROKiT' O'Sullivan. 'I'm taking retirement from my name. Not snooker, I'm not retiring from snooker!' he said.
Discussing his future schedule, O'Sullivan said he has been able to play more this year due to reduced travel, adding: 'I just can't do that. I can't enjoy my life or function properly if I'm flying around. It all depends how the schedule comes.'
