• World Snooker Championship

O'Sullivan ready to call time on career

Ronnie O'Sullivan says he cannot keep putting himself through being unhappy © PA Photos

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Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed this year's World Snooker Championship will be his last after he reached the semi-finals at the Crucible.

The world champion was too strong for Stuart Bingham in the last eight as 'The Rocket' blasted his way to a 13-4 victory earlier on Wednesday evening.

Now set to face former world finalist Judd Trump in the semi-finals, O'Sullivan has revealed this will be his final appearance at Sheffield, and is ready to bring the curtain down on his snooker career.

"I had that year out and I never really missed the game. I missed having something to do and I was struggling for money. I have not paid the kids' school fees for the last two or three months," O'Sullivan admitted.

The four-time champion of the world announced in February he would return to the circuit to defend his crown after being on a self-imposed break since last May, and said he was eyeing a long stay. However, the 37-year-old says he will not carry on for much longer.

"I have had two months preparing for this and I did not really know what was going to happen. I have made a little bit of money but I do not think snooker is for me. This could be my last major event. I might play in a few PTCs if I get really bored, but as far as playing top competitive snooker and putting my heart into it goes, I do not think that is what I want to do," he said.

"I think it is about time that I looked for something else. Having had that year out it bought me some time to realise that I did not need snooker. It has been tough for me. I have had a taste of not playing. I have put my life and soul into it and I needed a bit of cash and the only way I know how to do that is through snooker.

"I still find it hard and I just do not want to put myself through it now. I have no intentions to come back. I've kept my cards close to my chest but there's no reason to keep them close now.

"This is my last farewell, it's my swansong. I'm happy; I'm done. I can't keep putting myself through being unhappy."

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