Ronnie O’Sullivan has admitted he has to “repair himself” after breaking his silence on his prolonged absence from professional snooker. The 49-year-old hasn’t played since January, when he controversially broke his cue during his Championship League defeat to Robert Milkins.
He’s since withdrawn from nine tournaments, including the Masters. This has prompted fears that he won’t be at the Crucible next month despite his ambitions to win an unprecedented ninth-world crown in Sheffield. However, the all-time great has now assured fans he isn’t quitting the sport, but in a released statement, stopped short of confirming a return date.
“I’m not quitting just yet, but I will give myself two years to try and figure it out,” said the world No.5. “I don’t want to finish my career feeling like I wasn’t really performing to the level that I know I can.
“I don’t have to win tournaments, but I just want to feel like I’m enjoying the game. I’d like to go out with a smile on my face. I have to try and repair myself and just try and find how I used to play snooker.”
In a concerning admission, O’Sullivan also conceded he doesn’t think he will be able to rediscover his best form: “It’s a massive rebuilding process and probably the last one I’ll ever have to do as a snooker player,” he added.
“Do I think I can do it? Probably not if I’m being honest. I think it’s probably a bit too late in my career and I’m probably damaged goods in the form of a snooker player. You take a lot of battle scars over the years. But I’m not prepared to quit at this point because I feel like I would be quitting on a bit of a low.”
O’Sullivan has played in every World Championship since 1993. However, after his latest update, the prospect of him returning this year and challenging for victory appears remote.
The icon has previously battled with depression in his career and has credited psychiatrist Steve Peters for stabilising him mentally and helping him overcome his issues. The icon has frequently threatened to walk away from the sport, and took a break from the sport in 2013 before dramatically returning and winning the world title.
