Ronnie O’Sullivan has admitted he will ‘definitely retire’ if snooker adopts a more darts-like approach in one factor.
Rocket is undoubtedly snooker’s greatest player, if not the biggest profile, and has been the driving force behind the sport’s popularity.
That is despite having a tricky year so far, having not won a tournament in the 2024/25 season so far.
O’Sullivan is still fifth in the world rankings but there have been question marks over his dedication to snooker in recent weeks, especially after pulling out of the English Open earlier this month.
Ronnie O’Sullivan joked he could retire from snooker
PA
But in a jokey conversation on talkSPORT on Monday morning, the seven-time world champion admitted he would retire straight away if walk-on music was brought to the sport like darts has.
When asked if snooker needs to bring in entrance tracks to spruce up the sport and bring in a younger audience, O’Sullivan replied: “I’d probably definitely retire!
“I’d be like, ‘You know what? I’m out of here now.”
O’Sullivan recently signed as an ambassador for snooker in Saudi Arabia and enjoys playing overseas, picking the Gulf state and China as his preferred destinations.
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He said: “In the UK it is an older crowd, but in China and Saudi Arabia, they have a very young crowd watching it, I don’t know why that is.
“I think it’s always been that in the UK, a lot of the older people just love snooker, but I don’t know why that is, I really don’t have a clue.
“I think when snooker is up against football and tennis and golf, when you’re a parent, you’re looking at, ‘What shall I get my kid involved in?’
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Ronnie O’Sullivan has had a tough year so far
PA
“Snooker is going to come really down at the bottom of the list I would. I like playing in China and in Saudi Arabia.
“I would probably be spending more time playing in those events and doing exhibitions and stuff out there.
“I just like being out there, so any excuse to get me out there… I spend most of my time there as I can.”
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Ronnie O’Sullivan loves playing in China and Saudi Arabia
PA
O’Sullivan is set to play next in China when he takes part in the Wuhan Open next month.
It will see him go up against Judd Trump, who is the reigning champion at the tournament.