Ronnie O’Sullivan admitted he’s at the moment going by the motions and enjoying like a ‘donkey’ however revealed he’ll battle to stroll away from the game whereas nonetheless profitable.
O’Sullivan edged by to the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix in Leicester on Thursday with a nervy 4-3 win over Zhou Yuelong.
The victory continues the Rocket’s spectacular latest type having grow to be the oldest winner of the UK Championship and the Masters in latest months.
Nevertheless, the 48-year-old has solid recent doubt on his future within the sport in a frank interview with ITV the place he admitted he’s getting no satisfaction from competing.
‘I’ve acquired to essentially contemplate whether or not I can proceed feeling how I’m feeling on the market. I simply don’t get any enjoyment from the way in which I’m hitting the ball,’ he stated.
‘It’s simply laborious work, and I haven’t a clue the place the balls are going. It’s simply guesswork. And it’s a battle.
‘The worst factor is you’re profitable bloody tournaments. If I used to be getting pumped first spherical each match, it could be a simple determination to make. I’m getting no enjoyment out of it to be sincere with you.’
O’Sullivan, who is ready to take a break following the Grand Prix, continued his lament, claiming he needs gamers to place him ‘out of his distress’ in matches so he can depart early in tournaments.
‘I do discover it an actual battle. I really feel like I’m going by the motions numerous the time. I’d have been actually comfortable to have gotten beat there so I can go dwelling,’ he added.
‘It’s not in me to throw video games away. It’s bordering on that the place I’m enjoying pictures and if I miss, I’m hoping that they clear up, however they’re not.’
Regardless of his lack of motivation, the Englishman’s advantageous type has left him with the chance to attain a single-season triple crown – a profession first – on the World Championships later this yr.
That chance, and his continued success, is what’s maintaining O’Sullivan enjoying professionally however he was additionally left dreading the prospect of cueing it up on the Crucible.
‘It’s laborious when you find yourself nonetheless profitable to stroll away from it,’ he stated. ‘There’s that niggling voice at the back of your head saying if I can get recreation even half proper, I might stroll by tournaments.
‘However that’s the worst one,’ he ended, referencing the upcoming World Championships.
‘I don’t thoughts the one the place nobody is watching; there’s nobody right here, no press and I can simply chip up, play like a donkey and nobody actually notices.’
Subsequent up on the Grand Prix, O’Sullivan will tackle Gary Wilson for a spot within the ultimate 4.
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