Ronnie O’Sullivan Addresses World Snooker Championship Uncertainty
Amidst speculation surrounding his participation in this year’s World Snooker Championship, legendary player Ronnie O’Sullivan has offered a brief update on his condition, stating he is “okay.” The seven-time champion’s involvement remains unclear as the tournament approaches.
O’Sullivan has competed in eight tournaments throughout 2025 but has also taken significant breaks to address personal challenges and regain consistency. He previously expressed concerns about his form, admitting a reluctance to practice due to fluctuating performance levels.
Speaking to TNT Sports, O’Sullivan remained noncommittal regarding his appearance at the Crucible Theatre later this month.
As he explained: “I don’t have any expectations of what I might do or might not do when I come back. It’s just one of them. Once you start, you just build momentum, and sometimes you have to be patient with it.” He added, “At some point it’s just getting back in there, I suppose, that’s the most important thing.”
He acknowledged his activity this year: “I’ve still played eight tournaments. I’ve just taken large chunks of time out for various reasons. I feel alright, I feel okay.”
O’Sullivan, considered one of snooker’s all-time greats, expressed admiration for athletes in other sports as well, highlighting several individuals who inspire him.
- Luke Littler: “Luke Littler is an incredible phenomenon. I love watching him play; he makes darts really exciting.”
- Jakob Ingebrigtsen: “Obviously being a keen runner, I appreciate what he does in his sport.”
- Usain Bolt: “Every time he got into action, I’d switch on to watch.”
Beyond the world of darts and athletics, O’Sullivan revealed a fondness for motor racing, particularly Formula One. He also cited boxing and tennis as favorites, with a keen eye on rising stars in the sport.
“I think my favorite sport is motor racing – touring cars, Formula One, any car racing,” he stated. “I enjoy watching boxing, tennis with Novak Djokovic – used to be Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as well – and there’s some good young talent coming through like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, they are good to watch. I am quite keen on those sports.”
The World Snooker Championship is scheduled to begin on April 19th, culminating in the final match on May 5th. O’Sullivan first claimed victory at the prestigious tournament in 2001, with his most recent triumph occurring three years prior.