DEFENDING CHAMPION RONNIE O’Sullivan eased into the world championship semi-finals on Wednesday and, true to his unpredictable nature, said he had only returned after a self-imposed exile because he needed the money to pay his children’s school fees.
The 37-year-old — who had not played all season after winning last year’s world title — outclassed fellow Englishman Stuart Bingham 13-4 to set up a semi-final with Judd Trump, who had edged former world champion Shaun Murphy 13-12 in a thrilling match earlier on Wednesday.
O’Sullivan, who looks well set for a fifth world title, said this would be his ‘final farewell’ at the championships, although he is contracted by his sponsor to play 10 tournaments next season.
It is not the first time that the engaging but temperamental Englishman has alluded to retiring full-time from the sport he has lit up but he said that, while some enjoyed playing, he suffered too much and was tired of not being happy.
“It’s nice to be in the semi-finals but I didn’t really miss snooker,” he said.
“But I missed having something to do and I was struggling for a bit of money.
“I’ll be honest, I still owe the school money for my children’s school fees, I haven’t paid the last two or three terms.
I didn’t know what was going to happen here but I’ve made a little bit of money now so I can go and pay the school fees now for the next two years.
“But really I don’t think snooker is for me. This could be my last proper major event.
“As far as putting my heart and soul into snooker, I don’t think that’s what I want to do anymore but I had to give it a go. I needed some money quick.
“I have signed a contract with my sponsor to play in 10 events so I’ll play in those.”
But O’Sullivan stated those events could include Legends tour events, and low-profile tournaments, and stressed there was no stipulation that he should appear at events such as the UK Championship, Masters or World Championship.
Asked if he would be in Sheffield for next year’s World Championship, O’Sullivan added: “I’ve no intention to come back.
“If I find something else to do you definitely won’t see me. 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.
I wish I could just smile it off, shrug it off but it’s not like that for me. I wish I had the attitude of players who come here and smile and enjoy it. I just beat myself up too much and it’s not healthy.”
Trump and (right) Murphy. Credit: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Trump, 23, showed great character to come from 7-2 down to beat Murphy and move a step closer to what would be his second world final after a previous appearance in 2011.
“Everyone had written me off at 7-2 down and were saying it was the story of my season because I was enjoying myself too much off the table,” he said.
However, I am delighted I proved them wrong. Now Ronnie will have all the pressure on him and I will just go out there and attack him.”
The other semi-final will be another all English affair between Barry Hawkins and Ricky Walden, who beat Welshman Michael White.
Hawkins ended Chinese player Ding Junhui’s hopes of becoming the first player from China to win the title, rattling off the first four frames of Wednesday’s session to win 13-7.
Ding, 26, said that he might seek advice from experienced former professionals to see if they can help him get nearer to winning the title.
“It might be good to get help from an old player’s experience, but I haven’t got anyone to help me, so I do everything myself,” Ding said.
“I’d like to listen if they could tell me something I’m doing wrong.”
Have to love him!!! All the great ones are different. They all have their quirks but that’s what makes them exceptional!!!
A troubled genius.
This annoys me a bit. He has been blessed with a talent which can earn him a lot of money to be comfortable in life but he turns his back on it when he feels like it. A lot of us don’t like our jobs but we still have to do it. He says himself he is struggling financially so why turn your back on something that can give you and your family a bit of security.
Fantastic player though, joy to watch.
Snooker really needs someone like him. Hopefully he ll think again after he wins the title
Call his bluff! This must be the 4th or 5th major tournament that hes said that in! Phil Taylors started doing the same..The attitude of ” I can walk away tomorrow, I don’t need this sport”. Ultimately, its their life, they do need it and they will always come back., maybe not as players, but they will always be involved. With regards to playing, I cant see O Sullivan stopping completely for a long time.
What a load of BS!!! He continues to rubbish the sport that once made him a very rich man, if he decides to spend all his money on other stuff instead of his family then he’s not much of a man at all. None of us work for fun but out of an necessity to provide and survive and this muppet then with all his talent and the millions he won throws it all away.
He’s an attention seeker and nothing more do the sport a favour and retire with some dignity.
Get back under your bridge Aido ya troll. He’s battled with depression all his life and that’s why he has to take off from the game. As someone said earlier, a troubled genius, and we should just be thankful anytime he does play.
Complete rubbish
“troubled genius” is an excuse for bad behaviour . Gnik cop on will ya you’d never see the BOD or POC behaving in such a manor.
That’s coz BOD and POC don’t suffer from depression. You think you can just swan around the journal and the score with your Hollywood good looks, spouting any old rubbish, but iv got a news flash for you. You can’t!
He does no favors for people suffering from depression. He’s an ungrateful egomaniac who cares more about himself than the children he “cares” for.
And gnik I don’t care for the abuse you’ve said to me on this forum.
Most gifted sportsman on the planet. Show me another that can take a yer out, come back and look like he’d never been away, play with either hand effortlessly and still not enjoy what he does.
Flawed genius.
I agree that hes amazingly talented, but I would have to question whether hes honest when he says he doesn’t practice when he takes time off. No matter who you are, you will lose a certain amount of accuracy without practice.
I imagine he practises too, but competition is the best practise. The fact he can play with either hand equally well is unreal though!
Just got to love Ronnie
What a semi in store, trump v o Sullivan
Shame this isn’t the final, whoever wins will effectively be champion!
He’s an egomaniac and a poor influence on young people who idolise him!
Have to love him!!! All the greats in every walk of life have their quirks. The mind of a genius
Will miss the rocket when he retires!! True hero what a player!
O’Sullivan was always one of the biggest attention seekers in sport. I like slightly crazy people and bad boys and girls at times. Politically incorrect rules the real world.
Is he joking about needing the money to pay school fees?
He may retire one of the biggest underachievers in sport but if he really is happy then best of luck to him!
What did he spend all his money on? If he blew all the millions he made and is now struggling to pay the school fees he’s not much of a father now is he?? He has been at this “I’m retiring” lark for a few years now to keep his profile up and I don’t like it. I think Barry Hearn is to blame as he likes the controversial characters to be even more controversial etc.
I don’t think he’ll ever truly retire from the game. He’ll be a great pundit/analyst one day. He’ll know a great if another like him ever comes along.
he’s some player but if he thinks he’l enjoy a normal 9 – 5 job like on a building site or working on the roads better then playing professional snooker then he is sadley mistaken. He should stop moaning and be glad off his God given talent..