Ronnie O’Sullivan says he would rather play entertaining snooker and lose than just “grind out” results.

The Rocket has take on a limited schedule this season but he’s still been winning events, having claimed a 19th Triple Crown title at the UK Championship, as well as adding the Shanghai Masters and Champion of Champions trophies to his cabinet.

O’Sullivan, who recorded his 993rd century in his 4-2 second-round win over Yuan Sijun at the Welsh Open, has previously said he will keep playing until he stops enjoying snooker – and simply winning matches doesn’t cut it anymore for the 43-year-old.

“I don’t really want to be grinding out results,” he said. “I’d rather lose and play free than grind out results and not enjoy it and win.

“I’m at that stage of my career where it’s really not as important as maybe it was 10 or 12 years ago.

“I’m happy to just be travelling about, playing a few tournaments here and there and I enjoy going down the club practicing with the lads.

“I think everyone around me wants it more than I want it. But I’ve got it how I want it and I enjoy it.

“It’s just having a purpose life, it’s nice to play a few tournaments and competitions and punditry, which is good, so I’m happy.”

O’Sullivan faces Alexander Ursenbacher in the third round of the Welsh Open on Thursday. O’Sullivan is 3.00 to win 4-1 and 2.63 to win the Welsh Open outright.