Ken Doherty believes it would be the right time for Ronnie O'Sullivan to retire if he wins his eighth World Championship.
The Rocket has again flirted with the idea of hanging up his cue and old rival Doherty reckons winning at the Crucible would be the perfect way to bow out.
O'Sullivan has been in great form this season, winning both Triple Crown events including a record-extending eighth Masters.
However, the 48-year-old is not happy with how he is playing and says he is getting no enjoyment from tournaments.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has been advised on when he should retire
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O'Sullivan raised doubts over his future in snooker in an interview following Thursday's World Grand Prix win over Zhou Yuelong.
He told ITV: "I’ve got to really consider whether I can carry on feeling how I’m feeling out there, I just don’t get any enjoyment the way I’m hitting the balls, I feel like it’s hard work.
"I ain’t got a clue where the balls are going, a lot of it is guess work.
"I need a break at least. I’m getting no satisfaction from it.
"I’d rather cue well and lose than cue badly and win tournaments."
Doherty admits he was saddened to watch O'Sullivan open up on the struggles he is facing.
And he believes winning this year's World Championship could spell the end of the legendary star's professional career.
O'Sullivan will be aiming to win a record eighth World Championship, with the final taking place in Sheffield on May 6.
Doherty said on ITV: "It saddens me, actually, listening to that interview.
"He's given so much to the game, so much joy watching him over the years.
"Maybe he's come to that crossroads in his life that maybe if he wins the eighth World Championship, it might be time for him to say 'I've gone out on the top'.
"He can still play exhibitions, he still loves playing in China.
"But I think it might be the right time for him, if he feels that way."
O'Sullivan has admitted he feels 'bad' for beating players who want to win more than him.
But Doherty believes that mindset wasn't on show at the Masters last weekend.
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Ken Doherty reckons an eighth World Championship would see Ronnie O'Sullivan retire
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The Irishman added: "He's playing the best snooker.
"He says there he doesn't like beating people who want it more but on Sunday night when he was in the Masters, Ali Carter wanted that title as much as he did.
"But he fought tooth and nail to beat him, he was successful in the end.
"He still has that competitive spirit, even though he says he might not.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is not happy with how he is playing
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"But when he gets on that table he's a different animal and he still gives a lot of great entertainment and he's been a talisman in snooker.
"And maybe, if he feels that way, his happiness is more important."
