Champion Ronnie ponders big break

Rocket man: Ronnie O'Sullivan with the world championship trophy after easily defeating Ali Carter in Sheffield

13 April 2012

Ronnie O'Sullivan is thinking about taking a break from snooker and the decision could depend on the three-times world champion's disciplinary hearing this summer.

Newly-crowned O'Sullivan will appear before the World Professional Billiard and Snooker Association over his lewd outburst during the recent China Open. A fine or, more unlikely, a suspension could be handed out if they decide to get tough with the game's biggest box office draw.

The Rocket repeated his assertion he may possibly opt out of the game for a while after his 18-8 demolition of Ali Carter at the Crucible Theatre to give him his third world crown.

Six-times champion Steve Davis believes O'Sullivan is capable of winning more world titles but only if his mind stays focused.

"A fourth title is very realistic and so is a fifth, "Davis said. "It is down to Ronnie and how much he wants to play the game. I think he will be back next year but it does give our authorities a slight dilemma, the fact there is a disciplinary hearing coming up during the summer. He is the crowd favourite and they'd love him to come back."

O'Sullivan admitted after his crushing victory in the final he was once again in two minds about his future.

"I'd like to win more world titles. It is quite well documented I struggle with the game and myself and sometimes this week I was thinking 'If I win this, wouldn't it be nice to go out on a high as world champion?'" he said.

"I'm going to need some time to think over the summer because I'm world No1, world champion, UK champion. It might be a good time to have a bit of a break.

"There is nothing better than going out on a high. I hope to be back next year, I really do. If not, then I've had a great time and loved the support everyone has given me. It has been fantastic."

O'Sullivan has now become only the eighth player to win two or more world titles alongside the likes of Davis and Stephen Hendry.

He said: "To win it three times and be talked about alongside people such as Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis is fantastic - hopefully there are a few more to come - but you never know."

In typical fashion, O'Sullivan was far from happy with his performance in the final after scaling the heights in defeating Hendry 17-6 in the semi-final.

He said: "It is strange. I know I've just won it and it feels like relief. I played really well in the semis and have been consistent all the way through.

"But I felt a bit of unease out there in the final and never got going really. It was matter of digging in there.

"You want to put on a performance for the crowd. I think everyone had high expectations for me to just blow Ali away after the semis."

Carter ran out of steam after his 17-15 win over Joe Perry in the semi-final late on Saturday evening but he can reflect on climbing to No7 in the world rankings, reaching his first ranking final and notching a 147.

He said: "I was disappointed I didn't perform at my best in the final. It was very tiring. Ronnie made it very difficult. His safety was brilliant so the better man won the day.

"It is disappointing to come second but it's been a good experience. I hope my career can take off from here.

"Ronnie was in great form. He was always going to be the man to beat. He didn't fire on all cylinders but nor did I."

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Champion Ronnie ponders big break

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