Ronnie O'Sullivan has conceded that he is unlikely to continue playing snooker beyond 2028, leaving him with just two more opportunities to land an unprecedented eighth world championship at the Crucible.
Aging and Ranking
The 50-year-old, widely regarded as the sport's greatest player, is currently ranked 14th in the world. He is participating in the Shanghai Masters, a non-ranking event. His current ranking guarantees a spot at the World Championships next April, but dropping out of the top 16 would force him into qualification.
No Qualifiers
O'Sullivan insists he will not play qualifiers and is unlikely to play for longer than the next two seasons. He said: 'I'm glad I'm at the end of my career and I don't have to face these young Chinese talents much. Because they're just like machines. They're just phenomenal.'
'I have to be realistic. I'm 50 now. I play for two hours and I need to lay down for two or three hours. It's very hard for me to get going again. This game, alright, you don't have to run around on a pitch. Mentally, you have to concentrate. It's draining.'
Final Attempts
O'Sullivan said: 'I'd love to win another World Championship. I've got two attempts at it. For three years previous I wasn't cueing well enough. So I feel like if I can find a bit of cueing and some form in Sheffield, then who knows?'
'If I don't do it this year or the next year, then it'll definitely never happen. I'm pleased with my career. I'm happy with how things have gone.'
He plans to take stock in two years and will not resort to playing qualifiers. 'I will try to enjoy these next two years,' he continued. 'I'll reassess it in 2028. If things are going really well and I surprise myself, then maybe you can extend it.'
'You have to be realistic. I am definitely not going to be playing qualifiers, put it that way. You won't see me go down to Barnsley, trying to win qualifier matches and all that sort of stuff. I have to be realistic, if that happens, then obviously that's the end of my career.'
