Ronnie O'Sullivan has repeated his threats to take a long break from snooker as he doesn't know how much longer he "can carry on" the way he's currently playing, despite winning his 11th consecutive completed match on Thursday.
The 'Rocket' picked up a record eighth Masters title last week after beating Ali Carter in Sunday's final.
He was back in action just two days later for the World Grand Prix in Leicester, defeating China's Junxu Pang.
Despite continuing his winning run, O'Sullivan appeared glum and admitted he "should have just bailed on this one".
Ronnie O'Sullivan is ready to take a long break
GETTY
O'Sullivan went on to state that he won't be in action much more between now and the World Championships.
And the 23-time Triple Crown champion was unable to improve his mood on Thursday, despite beating Zhou Yuelong in a tense match.
He said of his game: "I don’t know, mate. I just can’t fathom it out.
"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."
O'Sullivan explained that he's beginning to lose the enjoyment of the game as he doesn't feel his cueing is up to scratch.
He added: "The worst thing is I’m winning bloody tournaments!
"If I was losing, it would be an easier decision. 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.”
O'Sullivan will face two-time Scottish Open champion Gary Wilson in the quarter-final.
AWESOME. 🔥#worldgrandprix @spreadexsport @ronnieo147 pic.twitter.com/xyAplOgErf
— WST (@WeAreWST) January 18, 2024
The 48-year-old is on a run of 11 consecutive wins in completed matches, dating back to the International Championship semi-final held in China in November.
O'Sullivan lost to eventual champion Anda Zhang on that occasion, but he responded by winning the UK Championship the following month.
He pulled out of December's Scottish Open 'due to medical reasons' and made his return at the Macau exhibition event, where he lost to Marco Fu.
But he's not lost on British soil since the English Open back in October, where Zhang beat his rival for the first time.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan is on an 11-game winning streak in England
PA
"It’s been surprising," O'Sullivan said earlier this week.
"I don’t know where it’s come from, to be honest with you. I’ll take it! I’m not going to say no to it!
"But, maybe [it's] just because I’m not that bothered really? It’s not the most important thing for me.
"I still want to do alright. But the most important thing is I want to play well. I’d rather play well and get beat than play badly and win. That’s my feeling on it.”
