Globe-trotting Ronnie O’Sullivan will be jetting off to four countries in five months, but he may be in no rush to return to the English snooker table.
The Rocket, 48, claimed he was considering not competing in this year’s Crucible until he was persuaded by a new game sponsor.
In the end, his quest for title No. 8 was thwarted by Stuart Bingham in the quarter-finals, with Bingham winning 13-10 and the world No. 1 position passing to Mark Allen.
O’Sullivan will now embark on a lucrative exhibition tour of Europe and the Far East, before starting next season with events in Shanghai and Riyadh.
Like it or not, seven-time world champion O’Sullivan knows his true worth and if you want him, you’ll have to pay a premium.
And by taking a swipe at the Baze boss, he plays exactly when he wants, as he often likes to do in such moments.
O’Sullivan said: “I’m looking forward to going to China in 10 days and facing Ding (Junhui) in a challenge match.”
“I will be away from home for about two and a half to three weeks to work outside.
“Then we go to Finland for three nights. And then to Bulgaria. It’s busy to play for three or four weeks, but it’s great.
“It’s going to be busy, but the most important thing is that you feel like playing and getting your cues out of the case.
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“For the first time in two years, I don’t mind cueing and I like the sound of the ball.
“I’m enjoying it a little bit more and that’s the most important thing for me.”
O’Sullivan, who won five events this season and amassed more than £1.2 million in prize money, may not appear in his home country until late October or early November.
He said: “I have a contract to do a specific event in China.
“I have a contract to go to Saudi Arabia. Obviously they have first dibs, it’s like spending time at home with the family.
“There are only so many days I can be away from home. I really can’t do everything.
“I think it’s about being your own boss. Listen, WST is a commercial business, and I decided I had to be commercial just to have fun touring.”
“I don’t just casually attend events. I have taxes to pay.
“If people are prepared to pay it, I’ll take my cue from my case.
“If they don’t, I’m never going to play again and I’m perfectly happy to move on and do something else.
“You only live once, and I want to make the most of everything.
“But I also know my value and that’s my time and what I bring to this sport.
“As long as those needs are met, I will continue to play.
“If not, I’m going to take off my vest, lower the cue, and do something else.
“There’s enough going on at the moment to keep me interested in the game.”
Inside Ronnie’s colorful career
From being struck by lightning to blowing up officials, Ronnie O’Sullivan has turned heads with his snooker fire.