• Snooker

O'Sullivan: It's like my own TV show

ESPN staff
April 16, 2013
Ronnie O'Sullivan feels it may be too much for him to retain his world title © PA Photos
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Ronnie O'Sullivan has compared his return to snooker ahead of the World Championship to a reality TV show - and has ruled out a successful title defence at the Crucible.

The Rocket kicks off the tournament against Marcus Campbell on Saturday, and it is the first time the 37-year-old will be taking part in one of the major events on the snooker calendar this season.

O'Sullivan was crowned Crucible champion for a fourth time last May, and took a six-month break to deal with personal issues away from the table. He had planned to return last October at the International Championship, but his comeback was put on hold, casting doubt on whether he would play in Sheffield in order to defend his world title.

However, O'Sullivan confirmed last month he will be back, and with the World Championship arriving has hinted he will continue playing for the foreseeable future.

"I'd like to be a world champion when I'm 40. It gives me a bit of leeway," O'Sullivan said. "It's the long game I'm looking at, rather than just the short-term. This is just the start."

O'Sullivan, who is three world titles short of Stephen Hendry's record seven, feels defending his trophy this year could be out of reach.

"I've not set myself the goal to win this year's world title because that would be a bit of a silly goal. It could be a car crash, it could be good. You just don't know. It's like my own reality TV show," he added.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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