There was to be no dream finish for Ronnie O'Sullivan at this year's World Snooker Championship, with 'The Rocket' crashing out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage after a 13-10 defeat to Stuart Bingham.
O'Sullivan came to the Crucible as many people's favourite to win the event, something that would have given him a record breaking eighth world title. His form during the opening couple of rounds justified that hype, although he would ultimately come undone against Bingham.
It was a shock result, especially when you consider the form that the 48-year old had shown in recent months.
However, it seems as though he was not necessarily with the idea of competing in the 2024 edition of the tournament.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan makes admission on World Championship interest
Ronnie O'Sullivan has not been afraid to make his feelings on the world of professional snooker known in recent years, admitting that he thought that the game was not in a great place.
He has consistently criticised the authorities on the way they are running the sport at the highest level. In fact, it seems that even the World Championships are starting to grate on him.
Speaking to reporters, he admitted that he gave real consideration to not even playing in the tournament in Sheffield.
I wasn't going to playing in this one until a new sponsor came along, and they twisted my arm.
If I hadn't have come here I would have done [punditry] days with Eurosport. They've been pretty good with me, so I wanted to fulfil that...
There's so many things to do in life.
I've got such a busy, good life. I'd have probably have some painting with Damien [Hirst].
Ate some nice food with him, took the dogs. Spent time with Laila [partner], seen my children, gone to Champney's Spa and spent maybe four or five days there. There are so many nice things to do.
I'd have come here, spent a few days doing stuff with Eurosport, running in the peaks, going to the gym, doing good food.
Yeah, life, that's what I'd have probably done. It probably sounds boring to you guys but it sounds bloody exciting to me!
While you would not have imagined any scenario in which Ronnie O'Sullivan would not have played at this year's World Snooker Championship, you do have to wonder how much longer he will continue to commit to the sport.
Considering that he is still very much at the top of his game, you would hope that he would continue for quite a few years to come.
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