Ronnie O’Sullivan willing to pull out of tournaments

After the Hong Kong Masters snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan revealed that he would be willing to withdraw from a snooker tournament to ensure the well-being of his new dog, the seven-time world snooker champion claims that his dogs have “restored faith in life” and admits that he preferred to play with them rather than practice.

After winning the Hong Kong Masters earlier this month, the charming 46-year-old decided to put his cue in its box and hang out with his four-legged companions when he got back to the UK. O’Sullivan defeated Lukas Kleckers 4-0 in his opening round match in this week’s Northern Ireland Open.

The Rocket claimed that he would withdraw from any snooker competition in order to ensure the well-being of his new puppy, which he and his girlfriend had lately brought into their house.

After returning home, I had a pleasant week relaxing with the dogs,” O’Sullivan told Eurosport. “We now own dogs; we once owned a dog. The finest thing is them. They have given me new hope for the future. They shower you with affection.

“I really enjoy being at home with him all day. There is no one on the globe I would prefer spend a whole day with than him. He is pleased to see you and wags his tail. He is the finest.

I would withdraw from any competition if necessary to ensure his well-being. It greatly altered me. He really is a wonderful little creature.

Even though he is now the world champion, O’Sullivan claims to have “checked out eight years ago” from the game and just plays for enjoyment these days. Earlier this year, he tied Stephen Hendry’s record with his seventh world championship triumph; an eighth victory would give him the record altogether.

“I had to tone it down a lot just to enjoy it more for longevity reasons, but I am still competitive because I am a competitive person,” O’Sullivan said to Orla Channahoui and Greg Rutherford of Breakdown Podcast.

On Wednesday, O’Sullivan will play David Grace in the second round of the Northern Ireland Open.