Ronnie O'Sullivan says he is ready to retire from snooker

Ronnie O'Sullivan says this year's World Championship could be his last major event, stating he only returned to the sport for "a bit of money".

The defending champion, 37, beat Stuart Bingham 13-4 on Wednesday to move into the semi-finals of the tournament.

O'Sullivan pulled out of the 2012-13 season last November because of "personal issues" before ending his snooker sabbatical in February.

"I've realised I don't miss snooker but I needed a bit of money," he said.

"I'll be honest, I still owe the school money for my children's school fees, I haven't paid the last two or three terms.

"I didn't know what was going to happen here but I've made a little bit of money now so I can go and pay the school fees now for the next two years.

"But really I don't think snooker is for me. This could be my last proper major event."

O'Sullivan won prize money totalling £449,430 during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, including £250,000 for clinching his fourth world crown at the Crucible 12 months ago.

His career earnings are reported to be in excess of £6m, second only to seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry.

Currently ranked 28th in the world after his spell out of the game, O'Sullivan's reward for defeating Bingham is an enticing last-four encounter with Judd Trump, who overcame Shaun Murphy 13-12 in a thrilling quarter-final.

Despite confirming he has fallen out of love with the game, O'Sullivan promised he will give his all against Trump.

He added: "I'm a competitor and I hate losing. I will fight to the death. They'll have to scrape me off the table.

"I've got five days left potentially, it could possibly be three, and if I can't get through that then something's seriously wrong.

"The light at the end of the tunnel is it doesn't have to go on any longer."

Even if he successfully defends his World Championship title, O'Sullivan said he will not be returning to the Crucible next year.

"I've no intention to come back," said O'Sullivan, who is contracted to play in 10 more events, although those could include Legends tour events, and low-profile tournaments.

"If I find something else to do, you definitely won't see me.

"I've kept my cards close to my chest but there's no reason to keep them close now. This is my last farewell, it's my swansong. I'm happy; I'm done.

"I'll fulfil my contract and keep my sponsor happy. It's just 10 events and I'll see them out."