Ronnie O’Sullivan describes his appearance at the Players Championship as ‘paid practice’ after reaching quarter-finals

Ronnie O’Sullivan has described his appearance at the Players Championship as “paid practice” after reaching the quarter-finals.

“For me, it’s just a day out really,” O’Sullivan told ITV following the match.

“I just enjoy getting away from home, booking in my Airbnb, doing my gym, doing my running and then just fit a few frames of snooker in just like a bit of paid practice really.”

Speaking about being back at the baize, he said: “I’ve always been refreshed, yeah, that wasn’t the thing.

“I’m just trying to get away with playing as least as I can.

“I feel happier doing that and, you know, just treat it like a bit of match practice. Take what I can from the tour.

O’Sullivan’s emphatic season has seen him win four tournaments so far, including the UK Championship and Masters.

He can win an historic treble of Triple Crown events if he wins the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield in April.

The Rocket admits being contracted to play at certain tour events helps him keep in form.

“Make sure I’m sharp for when I’m doing my other bits and pieces, like, this is all icing on the cake for me whatever I get off this tour.

“I’ve got my exhibitions, I’ve got my ambassador work and that’s my main thing and I just fit in a few tournaments around that.”

O’Sullivan received a big reception at the Telford International Centre – which is hosting a World Snooker Tour event for the first time in 14 years.

“I love the fans. That’s the most important thing to me.

“As long as the fans still want to see me play and still want to come and watch me and I still feel like I can give value for money, that’s the most important thing.”