• Snooker World Championship

O'Sullivan may quit 'painful' snooker

ESPN staff
April 29, 2010
Ronnie O'Sullivan was defeated by Mark Selby at the Crucible © Getty Images
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Ronnie O'Sullivan may be set to quit snooker after he confessed that he is finding the game "painful". The World No. 1, who refused to guarantee he would return to the sport next season, was speaking after his quarter-final exit at the Snooker World Championship to Mark Selby.

The three-time Crucible winner lost eight of the last ten frames against Selby to throw away a commanding 9-5 lead. It has not been a stellar tournament for O'Sullivan, who has only briefly shown glimpses of the high quality of which he is capable.

He was so frustrated with himself during his first-round tie that he received a warning from the referee after making a crude gesture. Now it seems that his irritation with the game may have become too much for him to bear.

"I don't need it, snooker," O'Sullivan said. "I love the game, and I will always be involved in some way. I'll always miss it, and think 'what if'. Will I be back next season? I hope so.

"It can be a long, drawn-out affair, and a painful experience. Because of my ability my bad game has got me this far, but it's a shame I can't perform the way I used to.

"I can't keep coming in and moaning, trying to get you all to understand my little world. I haven't felt comfortable for 17 years. Sometimes you're out there feeling like you're watching the ending just pan out."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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