Snooker news: 'I wish lockdown would last another five years!' Ronnie O'Sullivan happy despite exit

Despite crashing out of the Championship League after a 3-0 defeat to Stuart Bingham at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, the five-times world champion admits he's tried to make the most of his time away from the baize during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I've really been enjoying the lockdown, I've had the best three months of my life," said O'Sullivan after firing two centuries in his 3-0 win over Harvey Chandler.

"Talking about snooker and talking about this and that..I want the lockdown to go on for another five years if it can!"

The pandemic, which has resulted in over 40,000 deaths in the UK, has wreaked havoc on the sporting calendar and O'Sullivan's next competitive action is scheduled for the World Championship which is due to begin on 31 July at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

He failed to qualify for the defence of his Tour Championship title in Milton Keynes on June 20.

The elite eight-man event is the final event before the World Championship.

O'Sullivan has failed to win a ranking event since the Tour Championship in March 2019, but will hope to find his form as he chases a sixth world title.