Ronnie O’Sullivan Provides Snooker Retirement Update, Sets Sights on World Championship
Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as the greatest snooker player of all time, has provided an update on his future in the sport, quelling recent speculation about his retirement. O’Sullivan, a six-time World Champion, expressed that while the thought of stepping away crosses his mind, he remains focused on competing at the highest level for the foreseeable future, with the upcoming World Snooker Championship at the forefront of his ambitions.
Speaking to reporters, O’Sullivan acknowledged that he is nearing the twilight of his illustrious career but emphasized that he still enjoys playing. “Retirement is something I’ve thought about, of course, but I’m not ready yet,” O’Sullivan remarked. “As long as I’m still enjoying it and competing, I’ll keep going. The World Championship is always the big one for me.”
O’Sullivan, now 48, has dominated the snooker landscape for over three decades, amassing a record seven Masters titles, seven UK Championships, and a joint-record seven World Championship titles. Despite his achievements, the hunger for more remains, and his sights are firmly set on an eighth world crown, which would set him apart from fellow legend Stephen Hendry, with whom he currently shares the record of seven titles.
“I’ve always said I play for the love of the game,” O’Sullivan continued. “I don’t have anything left to prove, but I still get a buzz from competing, especially at the Crucible. Winning another World Championship is definitely still a goal.”
The “Rocket” had a somewhat challenging 2023 season, with his performances fluctuating. He reached the quarter-finals of the World Championship but was eliminated by Belgian sensation Luca Brecel, who went on to win the tournament. O’Sullivan acknowledged that maintaining top-level performance has become harder with age but said that he is working harder than ever to keep himself in peak condition.
“It’s not easy, especially as you get older. I’ve had to look after myself more, both physically and mentally,” O’Sullivan said. “But I still feel like I can compete with the best, and that’s why I’m still here.”
While O’Sullivan hinted that his retirement might not be too far off, he was careful to emphasize that he won’t be walking away just yet. “I’ll know when the time is right,” he concluded. “For now, I’m still enjoying the journey. When the day comes, I’ll be content, but for now, there’s still more to achieve.”
As O’Sullivan prepares for another season, the snooker world will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if the legendary cueist can add to his already historic legacy at the Crucible and possibly lift an unprecedented eighth World ChamPionship title.
