Rocket plans to play on
January 16, 2012 11:50:58 UK
Ronnie O'Sullivan has no plans to quit snooker just yet.Ronnie O'Sullivan has confirmed that he has no plans to walk away from snooker just yet, despite his slide down the rankings.
The three-time world champion is currently ranked as the world number 16, after erratic form and his decision not to compete in some minor ranking events.
O'Sullivan defeated defending champion Ding Junhui in The Masters on Sunday, but the tournament in London is not a ranking event and, even if he lands the top prize, it will have no impact on his standings.
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O'Sullivan has previously said that he was considering calling time on his career, but it would seem as though he has softened his stance and is now planning to continue playing for the time being.
If 'The Rocket' drops out of the top 16 he will have to go through the lengthy process of qualifying for the big events, but O'Sullivan insists he is prepared to do that, as long as he can strike a balance between his family life and snooker career.
"For me it's about finding the balance between my home life and being away from my kids, as well as the enjoyment of playing," explained the 36-year-old.
He added: "I have decided that if I have to qualify, I have to qualify. I do want to play snooker. I just want it on my terms. [My son and my daughter] are what's important so if I can get a bit of both, that's what I'm going to do."
O'Sullivan will need to perform at the ranking events he decides to take part in, if he is to cling on to his top-16 spot.
There are five new events set to take place in China, as well as plans to continue building new tournaments across the globe, and if O'Sullivan chooses to opt out of the majority of these events he will have to qualify for major tournaments such as the World Championship and UK Championship, while a drop out of the top 16 could also see him miss future Masters tournaments.
However, at present the four-time Masters champion will be concentrating on the showpiece event in London, and not his own future. O'Sullivan will face the winner of Monday's clash between Judd Trump and Stuart Bingham in the second-round. UK Champion Trump is 1.40 to seal the win, while Bingham can be backed at 3.00.
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