Ronnie O'Sullivan has opened up on his retirement plan ahead of his bid to win a record-breaking eighth World Snooker Championship next month.
The 47-year-old has yet to announce when he will retire, but has outlined his future plans while playing in this week's Six Red World Championship in Bangkok. The invitational tournament sees O'Sullivan alongside the likes of Judd Trump and Mark Williams.
O'Sullivan tasted success earlier this season, winning the invitational Hong Kong Masters and has suggested playing more tournaments in Asia ahead of his retirement.
He said: “It’s all about priorities, I have always planned my year out well in advance.
"I cannot go to every tournament, I try to spread it about. I’d like to finish my career off in Asia because this is where snooker is more popular – like in China, Thailand and Hong Kong.
“My sponsors like to see me in Asia. When things (Covid restrictions) open up more I might play more in Asia and skip a few events in the UK. I cannot do them all.
“It’s always good to play a local favourite, whether that is Ken Doherty in Ireland, John Higgins in Scotland, Mark Williams in Wales, James Wattana here in Thailand or Ding Junhui in China. Those are fantastic occasions.”
Will Ronnie O'Sullivan win an eighth world title next month? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section
The Six Red World Championship returns to the calendar after four years away due to Covid restrictions. The Six Red format leaves little room for error with the traditional 15 red balls reduced to six.
The 32 invited players have been split into eight groups of four players who compete in best of nine frames matches and the top two progressing to the knock-out stages. The winner of Sunday's final will win a £100,000 prize.
O'Sullivan looked in control of his opening group match against Jimmy Robertson going 4-0 clear only for his opponent to pull three frames back with the Rocket eventually winning 5-3. O'Sullivan will play teenager Stan Moody and home star James Wattana.
“This format is scary," added O'Sullivan. "One mistake and virtually it could be game over. One snooker and the reds are out in the open and I'm in trouble. It’s a good event, I have wanted to experience this."
