Updated 09:42 2 May 2024 GMT+1Published 09:43 2 May 2024 GMT+1

Ronnie O'Sullivan says he had to be convinced to play in this year's World Snooker Championship - and had a plan for what he was going to do if he didn't take part.

O'Sullivan was knocked out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage on Wednesday by 2015 champion Stuart Bingham, who won 13-10.

It was a day of the underdogs at the Crucible, with qualifier Jak Jones also producing a fine display to shock world number two Judd Trump 13-9.

The semi-finals begin today in Sheffield, with Bingham and Jones facing off. David Gilbert takes on new tournament favourite Kyren Wilson in the other tie.

But the last four will not feature O'Sullivan for a second consecutive season, after he lost to eventual champion Luca Brecel via the same 10-13 scoreline in the quarter-finals last year.

And despite appearing to be in a positive mood during this tournament, 'The Rocket' admitted that he initially doubted he would even play at the World Snooker Championship this year at all - before one thing changed his mind.

He told reporters: "I wasn't actually going to play in this until a new sponsor came along and I said, 'Alright, cool'.

"I wasn't going to play Manchester [Tour Championship] or this, because of how I was feeling about playing, but they twisted my arm."

When asked what he would have done instead, he explained: "I'd have obviously done some days with Eurosport. I wanted to fulfil that.

"There's so many things to do in life, mate, and I've got such a busy and good life.

"I'd have probably gone and done some painting with Damien [Hirst, artist and friend], ate some nice food with him.

"I'd have taken the dogs out, spend time with Laila [Rouass, partner], see my children. Gone to the Championships, maybe spend four or five days here, running in the peaks, going to the gym, eating good food. It probably sounds boring to you - but it's exciting to me!"

Eurosport are yet to confirm whether O'Sullivan will work with them as a pundit after his elimination, although he has often done so when not playing in tournaments in recent years.

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