Ronnie O'Sullivan has warned he may withdraw from the World Snooker Championship if he suffers "a meltdown" before his first-round match.
The seven-time world champion, who turns 50 this year, has finally found a replacement cue after breaking his previous one in January.
Despite committing to play at the Crucible for the 33rd consecutive time, the Rocket has told fans he "doesn't have any expectations" about his performance.
The snooker legend has already pulled out of five events on 'medical grounds' this season.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has warned he may withdraw from the World Snooker Championship if he suffers "a meltdown" before his first-round match
GETTY
"I'm not playing until Tuesday. So if I have a meltdown, who knows? I might still b****y withdraw," O'Sullivan said.
"I hope I don't," he added.
The Rocket is set to face nemesis Ali Carter in what has been described as a blockbuster first-round clash next week.
O'Sullivan's expectations remain remarkably low for a player of his calibre.
"I'd just like to not feel all at sea out there. If I can just play and at least feel semi-competitive, I'd be happy with that," he said.
JUST IN: Max Verstappen 'to take year off from Formula One' as Red Bull star delivers baby update
Ronnie O'Sullivan is looking to win the World Snooker Championship for an eighth time
PA
When asked about his chances of winning the tournament, O'Sullivan was blunt.
"Could I win the whole thing? I doubt it. I'd be very happy to just give Ali a game," he continued.
"I'm nearly 50 now and there's a lot of young guys who are hungry and competing all the time."
O'Sullivan has struggled to find a suitable replacement since snapping his cue in anger earlier this year.
"I've got a cue. I got given it," he explained.
READ MORE:Justin Rose makes feelings clear on wife's hug with Rory McIlroy after Masters triumph
"I've had this one for three or four months sitting in a rack. I tried it out and it was OK."
Despite hitting two maximum breaks during practice at his academy in Saudi Arabia, O'Sullivan remains cautious about his prospects.
"Listen, it's a lot of difference hitting a 147 in exhibitions to coming at the Crucible and playing the best players in the world," he warned.
The former world No 1 clearly has concerns about how his new equipment will perform under the intense pressure of championship conditions.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
In a potential boost for his chances, O'Sullivan has reunited with long-time psychiatrist Steve Peters.
Four of O'Sullivan's seven world titles have come when Peters has been in his corner.
This renewed partnership could signal a glimmer of hope amid the champion's otherwise pessimistic outlook.
"I'm surprised I'm here but I'm here," O'Sullivan admitted, reflecting his ambivalent attitude toward the tournament.
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Ali Carter will do battle at the World Snooker Championship on Tuesday
GettyThe relationship with Peters has historically helped O'Sullivan manage the mental aspects of his game that have sometimes derailed his performances.
O'Sullivan's recent practice sessions have revealed his inconsistent form.
"I practised with Barry Hawkins for a couple of days and on the second day, it was that bad I quit," he admitted.
"Barry said, 'It's not as bad as you think'. I was like, 'Really?' And he said, 'It's just maybe concentration'. So I held on to that."
