Marcus Chan
Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed what’s next for him after failing to win a record-breaking eighth world title.
On Wednesday night, seven-time world champion O’Sullivan was knocked out of the World Snooker Championship after losing 13-10 to Stuart Bingham.
Bingham’s victory ends The Rocket’s dream of lifting his eighth world title.
Speaking after the match, O’Sullivan spoke about his future.
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He said: “I’ve enjoyed the tournament, for me, it’s been a great tournament you know. I’ve actually started to hit through the ball, which is more important than anything really, tournaments, victories, losses, irrelevant really, you just want to be enjoying the game.
“So for me, it’s been a lot of progress. Yeah, I lost a snooker match tonight, Stuart deserved the victory, and played really well. I tried to fight and hung in there for as long as I could but it wasn’t meant to be.”
O’Sullivan added: “Stuart adapted better than me, he made the bigger shots, the bigger breaks, the better safety, he was the better player.
“I’ll be playing, I’m off to China next week, I’ll be playing Ding in a series of challenge matches in China so I’m looking forward to that. And then I’m off to Finland. I’ve got a lot of snooker still to play. There’s a lot of good work for me and some tournaments to play. There’s lots to look forward to.”
Meanwhile, an emotional Bingham said to BBC Sport: “I’ve had a little cry at the back there. Unbelievable! You know you can do it. It’s tough. You know what comes with it - there’ll be loads of media, got to get back and focus. Another three days here in the semi-finals.
“I’ve seen Kyren beat John so I’m the only one left who’s had their hands on the trophy. Jak will be a great battle the next three days.”
Bingham will now face Jak Jones in the semi-finals, with the winner taking on either Kyren Wilson or David Gilbert in the final.