Ronnie O'Sullivan considers quitting snooker despite world title win

The Englishman frustrated by schedule following his 18-11 win over Ali Carter.

Ronnie O'Sullivan (R) takes on Ali Carter of England on May 7, 2012 during the third session of the World Championship Snooker final at the Crucible Theater in Sheffield, England. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS
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Ronnie O'Sullivan is considering his future in snooker despite winning the world championship for a fourth time with an 18-11 victory over Ali Carter.

O'Sullivan called on the game's governing body, World Snooker, to treat players fairly, adding that he could quit due to the pressure to compete in an increasing number of tournaments across the globe.

"I'm quite happy to move on, if I have to, because there's a lot out there for me to do," O'Sullivan said.

"I know there's still a bit more in the tank for me in snooker but certain people need to start doing the right thing.

"It's up to the governing body to treat the players right and say that they don't expect the players to travel to 28 tournaments a year.

"I'm prepared to work as hard as anyone but I just want to be treated fairly and I think the top players need to be treated fairly.

"If players don't play in the minor events, you know they're going to drop out of the top 16 and you know they're going to have to qualify for tournaments. I think there's a better way of doing it.

"I don't like feeling that you're being blackmailed or forced to play in certain events. I'm not going to hang around for another two years to wait until things become what I believe to be fair.

O'Sullivan said the ruling body had a chance to sort the situation out.

"I've made plans but I'm not making any knee-jerk reactions. I'm having four, five or six months off and then I'll assess the situation," he said.

"I've had a long time to think about everything I've done. I'm not saying I have retired but what I am saying is that my family has become the most important thing in my life."

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