Rocket takes plunge into pool

SNOOKER’S world number Ronnie O’Sullivan intends to carve out a second career in America playing pool.

The 29-year-old will still take part in the four major snooker tournaments but will choose pool over any others that clash with dates in the United States.

And his reason for deciding to spend months abroad was simple - there was not enough top-quality snooker available to keep him happy.

O’Sullivan said: “I’m a snooker player and that is all I have done all my life. I love playing snooker but I have found I’m not playing enough.

“We used to play in 14 or 15 events and there are now six. That makes it tough for everyone involved in snooker.

“So I have decided rather that sit and wait for things to happen I’m going to take the bull by the horns and go elsewhere.

“Going to America doesn’t interfere with the events I want to play in on the snooker calendar but obviously there could be a clash if they put on events later on in the year and I have already committed myself to these American pool tournaments.

“If I say I am going to do something then I do it and that is my decision because it will enable me to play 12 months of the year instead of seven weeks. I know pool is a different game but it is a great opportunity for me to go out there and have a go.”

O’Sullivan had hinted he might turn his back on the game completely for a while but is convinced trying his luck in America, plus a new management deal he has signed with the 110sport company, could bring back the enjoyment into his game.