Snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan has emphasized his authority over when he will retire from the sport after withdrawing from the Wuhan Open due to health reasons. The 49-year-old was set to face Allan Taylor in the tournament’s opening round but opted out, sparking speculation about his future in snooker.
This year, O’Sullivan has pulled out of several events, fueling retirement rumors, including a dramatic moment earlier when he broke his cue in half. Despite concerns about his potential retirement, O’Sullivan’s recent performance has been exceptional, winning five out of his last seven matches.
A snooker legend with seven world titles to his name, O’Sullivan remains a formidable force in the sport. Just last week, he achieved the rare feat of hitting two maximum 147 breaks in a single match against Chris Wakelin at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters.
While there has been talk of O’Sullivan hanging up his cue, he is scheduled to compete at the upcoming English Open and has rebuffed suggestions of an imminent retirement. Addressing the speculation, O’Sullivan declared, “I’ve always said I’d be the first to let you know when I’m done, finished or gone or whatever it is.”
Previously critical of the younger players’ skill level, O’Sullivan surprised many by acknowledging the talent of the upcoming generation, admitting that the competition has become tougher for him. He acknowledged the rise of players like Kyren Wilson, Judd Trump, and Zhao Xintong, stating that winning tournaments would be more challenging for him going forward.
The snooker maestro expressed confidence in his ability to compete but acknowledged the evolving landscape of the sport. Despite the shift in his perspective, O’Sullivan remains focused on his game and the unpredictable nature of snooker competitions.
