The Rocket has even questioned why he bothered with the Masters as he claims to prefer events in China

Ronnie O’Sullivan has taken aim at World Snooker Tour officials who are investigating him over his X-rated Ali Carter rant.

The Rocket, 48, let rip at his opponent, turning the air blue in an expletive laden tirade against the man who accused the world No.1 of “snotting all over” the Ally Pally floor, after winning a record-extending eighth Masters title. After making disparaging remarks about the running of the sport earlier this season, the latest outburst has been added to O’Sullivan’s rap sheet

He’s threatened to quit the sport in order to focus on money spinning exhibition appearance in China. And given he’s in hot water with snooker big wigs, O’Sullivan is doubtful of being offered wildcard status – like legends Stephen Hendry, Jimmy White and Ken Doherty have been given in the past – if he lost his tour card. O’Sullivan will head to this season’s World Championship aiming to win all three of the sport’s majors in the same campaign.

But O’Sullivan, who faces Zhou Yuelong in the last 16 of the World Grand Prix, quipped: “I’m just trying to keep my tour card really, that’s all I want to do. I’m not really bothered about winning tournaments.

“I’d like to think if I fell of the tour that I’d get a wildcard, but knowing World Snooker they would probably go ‘no you ain’t getting one’.”

O’Sullivan has been plagued by his pursuit for perfection during his illustrious career. And he added: “It’s nice winning tournaments, but the biggest worry for me is that I don’t feel comfortable or I’m not playing with confidence.

“I know I’m winning tournaments, but I’m not happy with my game which is more important than winning tournaments for me. It’s been surprising really. I don’t really know where it’s come from to be honest.

“I’m not that bothered. I still want to do well, but the most important thing is I want to play well. I’d rather play well and get beat than play bad and win.

“The main thing for me is my exhibitions. I’m contracted to do 20-25 exhibitions a year so I’ve got to make time for them.

“I’ve got 20-30 days commitments for my sponsors so that’s two months where that’s the important stuff for me.

“That’s my own sort of stuff really. I just play enough tournaments to get my cue out of my case really. If I didn’t have tournaments I wouldn’t practice.”

The seven-time world champion heads to the Crucible cauldron bidding to eclipse the joint World Championship record he holds with Scottish all-time great Hendry. And the Chigwell potter has outlined his schedule as he aims to peak at the right time for a Crucible charge.