After a devastating performance, snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan may..
After a devastating performance, snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan may retire in a few months.
Ronnie Sullivan has been tipped to call time on his legendary snooker career if he wins an eighth World Championship at the Crucible later this year.
Ronnie O’Sullivan could retire from snooker in a matter of months despite his latest devastating display, according to one pundit.
Even by his sky-high standards, the Rocket produced one of his greatest-ever performances as he thrashed China’s Ding Junhui 6-1 to reach the World Grand Prix final in Leicester. The win, which came less than a week after his victory in the final of the Masters, included four quick-fire century breaks.
When he sank the final black to set up a meeting with three-time winner Judd Trump, the match was a little over 70 minutes long. Despite still being at the peak of his powers at 48, O’Sullivan has cut an unhappy figure this season.
The sport’s GOAT has complained about a range of issues, including the schedule, the state of venues and even his own game. He recently said he needs a break from the game for the sake of his mental health.
The world number one will be in Sheffield for the World Championship in April. But if he captures a record-setting eighth Crucible crown, he could decide to walk away from snooker for good, according to Irish legend Ken Doherty.
Speaking during ITV’s coverage of the World Grand Prix, the 1997 world champion said: “He’s given so much to the game, we’ve given us so much joy over the years. Maybe he’s come to that crossroads in his life. Maybe, if he wins that eighth World Championship, if might be time for him to go out at top.”
On the Rocket’s performance against Ding, Doherty lauded: “He’s such an artist, such a genius. It’s artistic, poetic, it’s balletic. It’s like snooker from the gods without a shadow of a doubt.”
Fellow pundit and former Masters champion Alan McManus added: “I’ve seen it and I don’t believe it. It was mind-boggling. It was actually one of those ‘I was there’ nights because frankly it cannot get any better than that. From the very start to the very end, it was perfection.”