Ronnie O'Sullivan has hinted he could continue playing for up to six more years after a commanding performance at the Crucible.
The seven-time world champion thrashed Ali Carter 10-4 in his opening match at the World Snooker Championship.
O'Sullivan looked in brilliant form despite not having played competitively since January.
The 49-year-old produced a dazzling display against his old rival, wrapping up the match with a stunning 131 clearance.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has insisted he could play on for another six years
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Carter had managed to reduce his deficit to just one frame by the end of Tuesday's opening session but he was no match for O'Sullivan when play resumed.
The Rocket made his superiority count with a string of century breaks, with Carter unable to respond.
O'Sullivan's dominance was clear as he powered through the frames to secure his place in the second round.
His performance was particularly impressive considering his three-month absence from competitive snooker before arriving at the Crucible.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, O'Sullivan revealed his thoughts on retirement.
"If everything went great, I could probably get five or six years. If it doesn't, I'll commit to one or two years and give myself the opportunity to finish on a nice feeling," he said.
The Rocket expressed his desire to continue playing as long as possible.
"This game has a way of humbling you in so many ways. I want to play as long as I can," O'Sullivan added.
Reflecting on his performance, O'Sullivan admitted he approached the match without pressure.
"I had no expectations so there were no nerves," he explained.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan crushed Ali Carter on Wednesday afternoon
Reuters
The snooker legend revealed he's been struggling with his game in recent years.
"I lost the buzz for the game. When you are not able to play the shots, I was having to bail out on a lot," he said.
O'Sullivan is now focused on rebuilding his confidence.
"I'm just trying to work my way back, rediscover some touch and feel."
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Carter was gracious in defeat, acknowledging O'Sullivan's superior play.
"I think I was always in it at 5-4, but Ronnie got going and I just seemed to find myself in awkward positions," he reflected.
The defeated player admitted the match became increasingly difficult.
"It went from bad to worse and it begins to get a bit embarrassing out there, but when you're playing the greatest of all time it's not easy."
Carter acknowledged the tough draw he faced, saying: "Arguably Ronnie is the hardest draw in the first round, he's the one nobody wants to play."
