After cruising to his fourth world snooker title, Ronnie O’Sullivan revealed that he plans to take a six month break from the sport.

The Rocket’s 8-11 victory over Ali Carter moved him up to fourth on the list of world champions in the modern era, and his win sparked thrilled applause at the Crucible.

The Chigwell potter, 36, became the oldest winner of the competition since Ray Reardon back in 1978.

To the relief of fans, O’Sullivan dismissed rumours of retirement but his return will depend on snooker chief Barry Hearn organizing year-round tournaments and an giving equal choice to players.

“There's a bit more left in the tank but it's up to certain people to do the right thing and stop trying to blackmail players," O'Sullivan told BBC sport.

“I'm not going to hang around for two more years for things to become fair.”

He continued: “Part of me still wants to play but I was that ill trying to keep up with the schedule, getting letters from World Snooker, and I'm not prepared to put myself under that stress.

“I know there's a big responsibility to promote the game and I'd play in any tournament if it was physically possible.

“But it's up to the governing body to treat the players right and say they don't expect players to travel to 27 tournaments a year.

“I've had a long time to think about everything, it's not a knee-jerk reaction. I'm not saying I have retired but family has become the most important thing in my life.”