Ronnie O’Sullivan has confirmed his immediate future plans after his shock World Snooker Championship elimination.
The world No1 Rocket, 48, was on the receiving end of a 13-10 defeat to Stuart Bingham on Wednesday (May 1) evening, ending his hunt for a record-breaking eighth title at the quarter-final stage. He followed Judd Trump in surprisingly exiting the Crucible.
O’Sullivan remained in high spirits, insisting he was happy all the same before going on to detail what he’s got coming up next. “I’m off to China next week playing Ding [Junhui] in a series of challenge matches,” he told Eurosport.
READ MORE: Ronnie O’Sullivan wasn’t even going to play at the Crucible – and only did for one reason
READ MORE: Ronnie O’Sullivan insists he’s ‘happy’ despite disastrous exit at World Championship
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“So I’m really looking forward to that, and then I’m off to Finland, I don’t know who I’m playing there yet. I’ve got a lot of snooker still to play. What tournaments I play, like I said, first come first serve.
“There’s a lot of good work out there for me and some tournaments to play which I’m gonna be happy playing. There’s lots to look forward to.”
O’Sullivan was then quizzed about his next appearance on the World Snooker Tour in front of a home nations crowd, explaining how he has to strike the right work-life balance.
How long do you think Ronnie will play for? Let us know in the comments section.
(Image: PA)
“I’m contracted to play in certain events, to do certain exhibition events in China so I’ll fulfil all of them commitments because obviously they get prioritised,” he continued.
“And then if I’ve got time to fit in some other bits I will, but I like my life, I like to spend some time at home. I’ve got quite a good year, I look at my calendar and I’m excited.”
The World Championship, meanwhile, is now down to the final four. David Gilbert will get underway against Kyren Wilson this afternoon, followed by Jak Jones facing Bingham this evening.