Ronnie O’Sullivan says he must have a ‘better year’ next season or 'you won't be seeing me' at World Championship

ByNigel Chiu

Updated 01/05/2023 at 08:55 GMT

Ronnie O’Sullivan has exclusively told Eurosport he needs to have a better season in the 2023/24 campaign if he is to return to The Crucible. O’Sullivan had one of his least successful seasons in his career as he failed to go beyond the quarter-finals of a ranking tournament. His season ended in a shock 13-10 defeat to Luca Brecel in the quarter-finals of the World Championship.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has said he needs to have a better campaign next season or people “won’t be seeing me”.

O’Sullivan has failed to go beyond the quarter-finals of a ranking tournament for the first time in his career this season, although he did win the Hong Kong Masters and Champion of Champions – both of which are invitational events.

He was stunned by Luca Brecel in the last eight at the Crucible from 10-6 up, before losing 13-10 to the eventual finalist.

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“I’ve got to have a better year than I have this last year,” O’Sullivan told Eurosport. “Otherwise you won’t be seeing me!”

Despite an unsuccessful season, O’Sullivan remains the world No. 1 and surpassed 1200 career centuries.

The 47-year-old has been open about his desire to play in Asia and also told Eurosport about his thoughts on winning the World Championship at the age of 55.

Highlights: O'Sullivan stunned by Brecel in Crucible shock

• Selby makes history with first 147 in a Crucible final

Over the last 12 months, he has been writing a new book and a film about his seventh world title is also in the final stages according to The Rocket, who is keen to get back to running.

“I’ll try and get my 5k time down to near 18 minutes to get myself fit,” O’Sullivan added.

“[I will] spend some time at home with the dogs, Layla, family, kids - all that sort of stuff. A bit of work in between. Then back playing snooker around August time.”

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