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John Higgins laughs off Ronnie O'Sullivan retirement plan: "He'll be playing in his 60s"

John Higgins believes fellow snooker star Ronnie OSullivan will not be retiring anytime soon, and believes he still has plenty more to offer

John Higgins has laughed off claims of six-time world champion Ronnie OSullivan retiring from snooker, insisting: He'll be playing in his 60s."

OSullivan recently revealed his plans to retire at this weeks English Open, after declaring he would look to play three more world championships, followed by a global exhibition before bowing out.

The Englishman commented: Ive got a goal to keep me playing for at least another three World Championships. Once that comes it might be a good time, Ill be 49 then, it might be a good time to focus on other things Ive got going on and just focus on them.

[Ronnie O'Sullivan said he might only play in three more world championships.]

Ronnie O'Sullivan said he might only play in three more world championships.

Once I do finish playing Ill probably do a two or three year swan song going round the world.

However one of his key rivals throughout his period of dominance over the sport, Higgins is less than convinced by The Rockets claims and expects him to carry on playing well past his initial plan.

Higgins told the Metro: Ive been hearing that for 30 years. Is he? Aye. Listen, it could happen, but no.

I think OSullivan will be playing this game until hes in his sixties, thats just my personal opinion on it. I could be wrong but come back to me in 13 years and I think hell still be playing.

How long do you think O'Sullivan can carry on playing for? Let us know in the comments section below.

[John Higgins feels he is some of his best form.]

John Higgins feels he is some of his best form.(Image: BBC)

With plenty of talk surrounding O'Sullivan's future, Higgins also discussed his own potential retirement plan which he expects to be less than his prediction for The Rocket going into his 60s.

He added: I dont know about me. Ill maybe be retired and enjoying the grandkids with the wife.

Ive been sweating blood and tears for this career, Ive been putting everything into it so I dont think Id have that longevity. But for somebody like OSullivan I think he could yeah.

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The 46-year-old has enjoyed a hugely successful career on the table having won four world championships throughout, and he hopes he will continue to compete at the highest level as he goes into his 50s.

Higgins commented: Im trying my best with things off the table but you get to the point of life where things can start to happen. Your eyesight can start to deteriorate, illness, who knows whats going to happen?

Two or three years Ill be 50 so you dont know whats going to be happening in your life. Id dearly love to still be competing and still be out there. Its still a great buzz when youre out on the match table playing good stuff.

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