Steve Davis: 'I'm not considering retirement'

Steve Davis has revealed that he has no plans to retire from the sport, despite admitting that he lacks the mentality to compete with the world's best players.

The six-time world champion lost 6-2 to Ricky Walden in the opening round of the UK Championship on Wednesday evening to continue a poor run of form, but the 57-year-old has insisted that his enjoyment for the game will see him remain on the Tour.

Davis is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "I don't really see the point of retiring. I think I will - a bit like a firework - just peter out. I am still enjoying it, it's just with the competitive side I am not the right animal anymore.

"When I turn up, I am not really thinking like a winning snooker player. I am just sort of turning up. I know that is wrong but I can't help it. When they sent the entry forms, I just signed. Then when I got here I thought, 'why did I sign that?'.

"This will be the worst, longest retirement in history. It will go on forever."

Davis has won a total of 28 rankings titles during his illustrious career.