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Ronnie O'Sullivan loses to Peter Lines on return

Ronnie O'Sullivan suffers a shock 4-1 defeat to world number 57 Peter Lines as he makes his first professional appearance since winning the World Championship in May.

Ronnie O'Sullivan suffered a shock defeat on Friday as he made his first professional appearance since winning the World Championship earlier this year.

The Rocket beat teenager Lyu Haotian 4-3 and Fergal O'Brien 4-1, before losing 4-1 to world number 57 Peter Lines in the last 32 of the Bluebell Wood Open in Doncaster.

However, despite his early exit from the competition, O'Sullivan was in positive mood when he spoke to reporters afterwards.

The 37-year-old, who is a five-time world champion, hinted that he is keen to stay in the sport and attempt to overhaul Stephen Hendry's record of seven world titles.

"I'm enjoying my game now more than ever. I've never been one to set myself targets, but there are dreams," he told Worldsnooker.com.

"To break Hendry's record is something that has crossed my mind. I need another two to equal it or three to beat it.

"The way I feel I've played the last two years, I'm hitting the ball better than I have for 20 years, so at least I'm able to play all the shots and be aggressive."

Prior to winning his fifth World Championship, O'Sullivan had suggested that he was ready to retire.

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Ronnie O'Sullivan celebrates with the trophy after beating Barry Hawkins in the World Championship final on May 6, 2013
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