Ronnie O’Sullivan says ‘I’m not a pure snooker player anymore’ and admits ‘I have to do what is right for my family’

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN is unsure if he will ever get to the magic Number Eight at the Crucible – and it all depends on his future sponsorship deals.

Belgian Luca Brecel out-rocketed the Rocket with a seven-frame streak to win 13-10 in a thrilling final session of their quarter-final on Wednesday.

The world No.1 is tied with Scottish potter Stephen Hendry on seven world snooker championships but missed out on creating history this year.

Even though he keeps himself fit and trim, at the age of 47 there won’t be many more chances to win in Sheffield.

And asked if in his heart of hearts, he would one day be a champion again over 17 gruelling days, O’Sullivan could not give any cast-iron guarantees.

O’Sullivan said: “I don’t know. I’m not as bothered about it as everybody else is.

“I will probably come here for the next three or four years, probably play well in one of those occasions, and that will be my chance.

“But I am not driven by it. I say it year after year. I have to keep answering those questions because I know everybody wants to talk about it.

“I have a good perspective on my life. I’m just happy. I play because I want to play.

“I don’t play because I have to. I do a lot of things which are right for my family. They come first. I am not a pure snooker player anymore.

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“If I was single, then maybe. I have to do what is right for my family, my kids, my partner, and make sure my decisions benefit them as well.

“If that means I am not as focused as most people think you should be, so be it – but I have still managed to win seven world titles.”

O’Sullivan refused to reveal his playing schedule for 2022-23 but says it is down to getting contracts over the line.

The Essex cueist said: “Next year is a big year for me. There are some deals I hope to sign and that will hopefully set me up for playing properly.

“If they don’t happen, I may play an even more reduced schedule. It is a numbers game for me. I have played long enough in this game. If the numbers sound right, I will do that.

“I have two plans – if Plan A comes good, I will play more. If that doesn’t happen, then Plan B kicks in.

“My family have to live with me at the end of the day. I don’t want to be a grumpy snooker player.”