Cue retirement: O'Sullivan beats Stevens then talks of quitting.cute

Ronnie O'Sullivan, the three-time champion, has made headlines not only for his impressive performance in the World Championship but also for hinting at a possible retirement from snooker. After defeating Matthew Stevens with a score of 17-10, O'Sullivan expressed his contemplation of following in the footsteps of Stephen Hendry, who recently retired from the sport.

The World Championship final is set to feature O'Sullivan against Ali Carter, both of whom secured convincing victories in the semi-finals.

 O'Sullivan's dominant performance against Stevens and Carter's 17-12 win against Stephen Maguire have set the stage for an all-English battle for the title.

Amidst the excitement of the tournament, O'Sullivan revealed his thoughts on retirement, stating,

 "I don't intend to stay in the game long, even though I feel in a lot better place." He further added, "I've made that decision and this might - I'm not saying it is - be my last time in this tournament."

Acknowledging the possibility of taking a break from the sport, O'Sullivan reflected on his decision, weighing the pros and cons.

He emphasized his desire to conclude his snooker career on a high note, expressing contentment with his current position. 

"There's no better way for me than to have a good run at Sheffield and get to the final and if I win it, great, absolute bonus," O'Sullivan remarked.

While contemplating retirement, O'Sullivan also hinted at potential future endeavors outside of snooker. "Sometimes you've got to live life a little bit, maybe do a little bit of Strictly Come Dancing," he quipped, indicating a willingness to explore other interests beyond the sport.

Despite O'Sullivan's retirement remarks, it is important to note that he has previously made similar statements throughout his career. His current mindset may be influenced by various factors, and it remains to be seen whether he will indeed step away from professional snooker.

O'Sullivan's journey in this year's World Championship has been marked by a renewed sense of determination and focus, attributed in part to his collaboration with sports psychiatrist Dr. Steve Peters. This partnership has contributed to O'Sullivan's enhanced performance and unwavering drive on the snooker table.

Looking ahead to the final match against Ali Carter, O'Sullivan's opponent will be seeking redemption from their previous encounter in 2008, where O'Sullivan emerged victorious with a commanding 18-8 lead.

The upcoming final presents an opportunity for both players to showcase their skills and compete for the prestigious title.

As the snooker world eagerly anticipates the final showdown, O'Sullivan's contemplation of retirement adds an intriguing layer to the championship narrative.

Whether he ultimately decides to pursue other interests or continue his snooker career, O'Sullivan's impact on the sport is undeniable, and his legacy will endure regardless of his future decisions.