Ronnie O'Sullivan has eased fans' concerns by confirming he wants to play professional snooker for another 'five or six years'.
The 48-year-old has dropped several retirement hints in recent weeks but isn't prepared to hang up his cue just yet.
O'Sullivan won his second tournament in the space of a week on Sunday, beating Judd Trump in the final of the World Grand Prix.
He produced a stunning comeback, having trailed 4-0 and 6-3, eventually claiming the title with a 10-7 victory.
Ronnie O'Sullivan wants to continue playing for five or six years
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It followed the Rocket's record-extending eighth Masters title at Alexandra Palace a week earlier.
O'Sullivan has been downbeat in recent interviews, admitting he is not enjoying playing despite winning his last 14 matches.
He has won his last three tournaments on tour, including the UK Championship in December.
O'Sullivan produced a stunning display in his World Grand Prix semi-final win over Ding Junhui on Saturday.
Pundits described his performance as one of the best they have ever seen.
But O'Sullivan insists those nights are few and far between and he hasn't changed his stance that he is not enjoying playing.
He hopes that does change as he wants to continue to play for a number of years yet.
O'Sullivan told WST: "[The win over Ding] was just a one-off.
"To be honest with you, everyone was getting excited and I said to my mate 'Out of 700 days I've probably done one or two good performances'.
"I'm not getting excited over that, one performance.
"It's nice to know it's still in there and I sometimes wonder why I don't do it more often.
"But I still haven't changed my stance, I'm still not enjoying playing to be honest with you because I'm not playing to the level or the consistency.
"It's just a bit untidy to be honest with you, it stops me from enjoying the game.
"So I'm just having to battle but I think it's good that I take a break now.
"Because I want to play for the next five or six years but I'm not sure I can keep playing tournament after tournament and not enjoying it."
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Ronnie O'Sullivan won the World Grand Prix on Sunday
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O'Sullivan will continue to play exhibitions and fulfil sponsorship duties as he takes a bit of a break from competing.
He believes that will help him get some enjoyment back at the table.
He added: "I think I play better as well when I do a few exhibitions, I think it just sort of frees me up a bit and I learn to play with a bit of flow and rhythm.
Ronnie O'Sullivan insists he is still not enjoying playing snooker
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"Too much high-intensity snooker, you're probably a better match player but I just want to enjoy it and I'm not really enjoying it to be honest with you, which is quite sad.
"You win all these tournaments and it's a sense of achievement because I've won and I've had to put a lot of work into it but I haven't really flowed like I know I can.
"I don't know why I haven't."
