Ronnie O’Sullivan secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the UK Snooker Championship with a narrow 6-5 victory over Robert Milkins in York. Despite the win, O’Sullivan expressed dissatisfaction with his performance and issued a caution about the quality of his play.

Playing in trainers due to plantar fasciitis, O’Sullivan faced a challenging match against Milkins, almost relinquishing a 5-3 lead before ultimately securing the victory. The seven-time UK champion was far from content with his game and openly shared his frustration, emphasizing his lack of understanding about how snooker works.

“I don’t understand how this game works,” said O’Sullivan. “I gave up a long time ago. I just keep turning up and stinking out gaffs. I stunk it out today [Thursday], and I’ll stink it out tomorrow [Friday]. You’ll have to get a mask to watch me play.”

Despite hitting a 142 in the fifth frame, O’Sullivan acknowledged that his performance fell short of his best. He expressed irritation, particularly after serving up opportunities for Milkins in the decider. However, Milkins failed to capitalize on the chances, securing O’Sullivan’s passage to the quarter-finals.

Reflecting on his current mindset, O’Sullivan admitted, “I just don’t want it bad enough anymore. I’m having to dig deep. When I was younger, I didn’t have to dig deep; I was so hungry, and now I’m just thinking I don’t really care.”

O’Sullivan acknowledged his enjoyment of exhibitions and shows in China, where the competitive aspect is balanced with a more relaxed atmosphere. While he still wants to play and appreciates the lifestyle and travel, he emphasized that he won’t push himself too hard, highlighting the challenging nature of competitive sports.

The win extended O’Sullivan’s stay in the tournament, securing vital ranking points. However, his comments indicate a shift in his approach and priorities, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between competitiveness and enjoyment.