By Saj Chowdhury

Ronnie O'Sullivan wants to establish his own UK-wide snooker academy.

The world number two, who opens his Masters title defence on Monday, said it would be a great feeling to unearth a future world champion.

"I've got a couple of snooker clubs in Liverpool and Blackburn and am planning to set up an academy to find the next genius," O'Sullivan told BBC Sport.

"It would be nice to give the kids somewhere to go and maybe we'll be able to find the next world champion."

O'Sullivan added: "We want to add a few more clubs, so we're working on that. In the meantime, if someone wants my services, then great, I'm only a phone call away."

My aim is to win 50 titles, so that people can talk about me in the same breath as snooker's other greats Ronnie O'Sullivan

The 30-year-old was eager to underline his commitment to snooker, despite plans to take part in pool competitions this season in the United States.

"You should never question my love for the game," said the two-times world champion.

"If you do anything that well, then you must enjoy it. When I played some exhibitions in Ireland with Jimmy White, we both came away thinking, 'that was great'.

"I'll never quit snooker. My heart's still in the game and I still want do well. I can see myself sticking around for a while.

"My aim is to win 50 titles, so that people can talk about me in the same breath as snooker's other greats."