Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players of all time, has made headlines once again after declaring he would “definitely retire” if the sport were to adopt a controversial change—shot clocks in all professional matches. Known for his candid and often unconventional views, O’Sullivan expressed his dissatisfaction with the idea during a recent interview, sparking a fresh debate within the snooker community.
The six-time World Champion has never been shy about voicing his opinions on the evolution of snooker, both on and off the table. This time, the suggestion of implementing shot clocks—used to quicken the pace of the game—has touched a nerve. O’Sullivan emphasized that introducing shot clocks across all formats would push him toward an early exit from the sport he has dominated for over two decades.
“I would definitely retire if that happens,” O’Sullivan stated firmly. “Snooker, for me, is about creativity, patience, and enjoying the game. The introduction of shot clocks everywhere would turn it into something else entirely. It would no longer be the game I love.”
Shot clocks have already been in use in certain fast-paced snooker events like the Snooker Shoot Out, where players must complete shots within a limited time frame. Proponents of the system argue that it injects excitement into the game, keeping it engaging for spectators and television audiences alike. Critics, however, claim it undermines the sport’s strategic depth and disadvantages players who rely on careful, methodical play.
For O’Sullivan, a slower, more deliberate approach to the game is part of what makes snooker unique. He believes that placing time constraints on players could negatively affect the quality of play, leading to rushed decisions and mistakes.
“Snooker is a game of skill, thought, and precision. You can’t rush that process,” O’Sullivan explained. “Forcing players to play quicker all the time would ruin the sport. It would feel like something completely different.”
The suggestion to expand shot clocks into more traditional snooker tournaments has surfaced amid ongoing discussions about modernizing the sport and increasing its global appeal. Some argue that a faster game format would help attract younger audiences in an era of shrinking attention spans.
However, O’Sullivan’s strong stance is likely to resonate with purists and long-time fans of the game who appreciate snooker’s tactical, drawn-out battles. The potential clash between modernizing snooker and preserving its traditional elements may only intensify with O’Sullivan’s comments now fueling the conversation.
As one of the sport’s biggest stars, O’Sullivan’s retirement would undoubtedly leave a significant void. Whether the game’s authorities will heed his warnings or press ahead with changes remains to be seen, but for now, the Rocket’s future in the sport hinges on maintaining snooker’s classic format.
