Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed that he plans to continue playing for at least another 18 months as he attempts to rediscover his best form following his Wuhan Open semi-final defeat.
The 50-year-old was beaten 6-3 by China’s Chang Bingyu after producing a number of uncharacteristic errors during the ranking event. O’Sullivan had struggled for consistency throughout the tournament and previously described the problems affecting his game as a “disease.”
Speaking after the defeat, the seven-time world champion admitted he remains unsure whether he can completely overcome the issue but insisted he is not ready to retire.
“I will see out the next 18 months and see how we go,” O’Sullivan said. “I don’t want to throw the towel in just yet. I’ve committed to playing until then. I want to give myself a chance. I’d hate to finish my career on performances like that.”
Chang produced the highest break of the match, a 73 in the second frame. O’Sullivan initially fought back after falling 2-0 behind and later narrowed the gap to 4-3, but missed further opportunities before Chang pulled away to secure victory.
The result means O’Sullivan’s wait for another ranking title continues. His most recent ranking-event triumph came in January 2024, while Chang is now just one victory away from claiming the first ranking title of his career.
Following the semi-final, World Snooker Tour confirmed that O’Sullivan has withdrawn from next week’s British Open in Cheltenham for medical reasons.
His absence also extends his lengthy spell without competing in a UK ranking event outside the prestigious Triple Crown tournaments, with his last such appearance coming at the English Open in Brentwood in September 2024.
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