Ronnie O’Sullivan won the Shanghai Masters for the fifth time in his career (11-9 in the final with Luka Bresel), and made a new unexpected statement at the press conference.

>> Ronnie O’Sullivan, Shanghai Masters winner – WC Crucible rematch

Ronnie O’Sullivan says he is ‘preparing to die’

In good health, Ronnie declared (in characteristic style) that he was “preparing to die”, slowly shedding all memories of snooker.

“Raketa” told what he will do with the trophy won in Shanghai and said that he does not play sports to make money.

“I will give the trophy to my friend who is opening a club here. He will remain in China. I always give them away. My friend Paul has one, and I gave it to a kid in the audience.

I’m not really interested in trophies. I sold a lot of them – I don’t want to have any memories until I’m 70-80 years old. I’m preparing to die, and part of it is that I don’t want the snooker stuff—the vests, the cues, all gone.

I made the biggest break today (excluding Sunday) and won £220,000. I don’t play for money, I play for the joy of it. I do other things to make money. What comes from snooker is a bonus. He helps me” – Ronnie O’Sullivan1st place in the world rating, quoted by the BBC.

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s path to Shanghai Masters 2023

6-3 with Ali Carter

6-5 with John Higgins

10-7 with Mark Selby

11-9 with Luka Bresel.

Shanghai Masters Champions

2007 – Dominic Dale

2008 – Ricky Walden

2009 – Ronnie O’Sullivan

2010 – Eli Carter

2011 – Mark Selby

2012 – John Higgins

2013 – Ding Junhui

2014 – Stuart Bingham

2015 – Kyren Wilson

2016 – Ding Junhui

2017 – Ronnie O’Sullivan

2018 – Ronnie O’Sullivan

2019 – Ronnie O’Sullivan

2023 – Ronnie O’Sullivan.