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Ronnie O’Sullivan drops shock quit hint after crashing out of English Open Snooker with ’embarrassing’ defeat
The Rocket also revealed why he is still playing as a leftie
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has hinted he could QUIT after crashing out of the English Open with an “embarrassing” defeat.
The Rocket was defeated 4-2 by He Guogiang in Essex last night, having fallen three frames behind in the clash.
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O’Sullivan made numerous errors as he continued with his left-handed style.
And world no64 He took advantage as Ronnie failed to make up for his quarter-final exit in the Saudi Masters earlier this month.
But speaking after his English Open defeat, O’Sullivan shocked fans by admitting “I haven’t got long” in a hint at retirement.
He told SunSport: “I haven’t got long, I’m not going to deny it. I’m not playing well enough, there’s no point in even worrying about it.
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“I’ve just accepted it now which is quite a nice place to be really.”
Ronnie continued: “I don’t even care, I’m just here to fulfil my commitments to my sponsors, get away from home, travel.
“If I can get a couple of years out of it that will be great. If I can’t, I can’t.
“I just want to rinse as much out of it as I can, I’m not going to drive myself mad. If you’re poor, you’re poor.”
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O’Sullivan missed numerous shots in his loss to He, and some big mistakes in the sixth frame proved to be his ultimate downfall.
The Rocket lamented: “I’m awful, it’s embarrassing, I miss so many balls.
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Ronnie has long linked his performances on the baize with the ups and down in his diet and exercise regime.
The Rocket he has suffered a lifetime of yo-yoing weight, addiction and mental health struggles, and an often unhealthy relationship with food and fitness.
O’Sullivan ballooned to 16st on vodka and takeaways as a troubled teen, while “puffing like a maniac”.
Then, after turning his life around, he even saw his form decline after doing to TOO MUCH exercise.
Now right back to his best, the seven-time world champion has opened up on his struggles.
“I’ve been missing balls for the last four or five years and every now and then I’ll mis a few less, maybe, and get a couple of results.
“Even in tournaments I’ve won people have missed mad opportunities to beat me.
“I can’t get away from it, poor, but there’s nothing I can do about it.”
O’Sullivan also told fans to forget about him setting a new record for World Snooker Championship wins.
He is currently the joint-record holder on seven with Stephen Hendry.
Ronnie added: “I’m absolutely useless, that’s why (I’m playing lefty).
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“Forget about the Worlds. I’m not even bothered to be honest with you. If I’m going to play rubbish I might as well play left-handed.
“Play left-handed and enjoy it, but be useless, or play right-handed, be useless and not enjoy it.”
Inside Ronnie's colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O'Sullivan has three children - two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket's on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O'Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded 'snooker's greatest feud'.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous 'Snotgate' row.
Check out all our latest Ronnie O'Sullivan articles.
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