Snooker: Ronnie O'Sullivan drops hint over retirement

Pa
Thursday 31 March 2011 10:53 BST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ronnie O'Sullivan cast fresh doubt over his snooker future after another dismal defeat at the Bank of Beijing China Open.

Since early December, the former world champion has lost first-round matches at the UK Championship, Wembley Masters, Welsh Open and now this week's tournament in Beijing. He also withdrew from the German Masters, and has slumped to 10th place in the world rankings.

After losing 5-2 to Welshman Ryan Day yesterday, three-time Crucible king O'Sullivan admitted his patience could eventually run out and indicated he may quit if results continue to be poor.

He said: "It's not great is it, but it is what is and there's not a lot you can do about it other than just keep trying. I can't really put my finger on it.

"It's very frustrating. It's not enjoyable. It's not fun for me. It'll give you a lot of grey hairs when you play like that.

"I don't know how much more I can take of playing like that.

"I've said I would retire before but haven't, so I don't want to look silly, but I can't continue to keep playing that way. I'm not going to say I'm retiring but you never know, it's not looking good."

O'Sullivan has not won a match at a major ranking event since September's World Open, when he lost to Neil Robertson in the final.

The World Championship is coming up next month, and Dominic Dale awaits O'Sullivan in the first round. Normally O'Sullivan would be expected to brush Dale aside, but current form suggests it could be tight.

"I need to get home and see my family and get ready for Sheffield now," O'Sullivan said.

"It's just around the corner."

Asked if a visa issue on his arrival in China had knocked his focus, O'Sullivan said: "There's no excuses here, I'm just not playing well and I'm getting beaten regularly.

"I'm just not producing - end of story.

"If I was potting balls I'd be sitting here buzzing."

Day, who has qualified for the World Championship and is a former quarter-finalist in Sheffield, was taking on Stephen Lee in the Beijing second round today.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in