Snooker: Ronnie O’Sullivan mulls quitting after world final

O’Sullivan built a 10-7 lead over Ali Carter over two gruelling sessions yesterday, with 18 the victory target. The 36-year-old Chigwell man has also dropped a heavy hint an announcement over his future will follow the match.

O’Sullivan has been giving serious consideration to following Hendry’s lead in walking away from the sport.

Speaking on the eve of the final, O’Sullivan said: “I’m not saying it’s a guarantee but I think now is as good a time as ever.”

If he does quit as champion, O’Sullivan would go out on a high, but also in an exhausted state. “This is probably the hardest place to come and play. Seventeen days in Sheffield and I feel like I’ve been here two months,” he said.