The "Rocket" is set to open the exclusive underwear shop in London's Soho, the UK's most famous red-light district.

The shop, imaginatively named Viva La Diva, is aimed at women and gay men and will stock items including a �60,000 mink basque.

O'Sullivan dropped the bombshell at the Regal Masters in Glasgow where he is only two wins away from a record-equalling third Masters crown.

The controversial star has often talked of early retirement and his excitement at the new venture was clear for all to see.

"It's called Viva La Diva and is due to open at the end of the year," said the 26-year-old world number one.

"I'm really excited about it, although I only bought the building. My girlfriend will be running the shop.

"She has great taste in clothes - she's bought most of the stock. I just wish she would start wearing it round the house rather than selling it!

"We'll be selling genuine one-off items. We've got a mink basque selling for �60,000."

If O'Sullivan is successful at the Regal Masters, it's unlikely he'll be short of ideas on how to spend the �55,000 prize money!