Ronnie O’Sullivan believes that he could win snooker’s biggest titles half a dozen times apiece, if his career goes on for long enough.

The Rocket won the Masters for the fourth time last season, beating Mark Selby 10-8 in an exciting final at Wembley Arena, bringing his haul of titles in snooker’s most prestigious invitation event just two short of Stephen Hendry’s record of six.

Looking ahead to the defence of his title in the tournament which runs from January 10 to 17, the Chigwell cueman said: “If I play for another ten or 12 years then  I could get more than six. I could win six UK titles and six Worlds as well if I play for that long. The Masters has been very good for me. I like all the big tournaments. The London crowds are a bit special and that helps me get up for it.”

O’Sullivan broke his cue just a few days before the start of last season’s Masters, and said in his victory speech that winning the title with a new cue was the best achievement of his career. While he stands by that assessment, he admits regret at smashing the cue which brought him the World and UK titles during the 2007/08 campaign.

“I was amazed to win a tournament with a new cue,” said the 34-year-old. “It was a freaky thing to do. I broke the old one because I was missing balls and I can’t take playing that poorly when I know what I am capable of. I regret it a bit now because I’ve had trouble finding a good cue ever since. I’m only human and I’ve had to soldier on with what I’ve got.”

Three-times World Champion O’Sullivan, who was edged out 9-8 by John Higgins in an epic semi-final in the Pukka Pies UK Championship last week, faces a tough opening match at the Masters against Grand Prix champion Neil Robertson on Tuesday January 12.

“He’s won a few tournaments, but there are quite a few young players who have won a few tournaments,” said O’Sullivan of the Australian. “Neil’s very good, but there are lots of them coming through, 16 or 17 players, and there’s not much between them. They’ve got technique, they are consistent and they can pot long balls.”

O’Sullivan will be defending his Masters title against the likes of John Higgins, Stephen Hendry and Mark Selby at Wembley Arena from January 10-17. Tickets start at just £10 and can be booked by calling 0844 815 0815 (Disabled Booking Line 020 8782 5629) or visiting www.worldsnooker.com/masters