Heartfelt Letter: An Open From Ronnie O’ Sullivan To Jimmy White, Fans and the entire Snooker World Community….. Read More
In an emotional and deeply personal open letter released earlier today, snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan poured his heart out to his longtime friend Jimmy White, his devoted fans, and the entire snooker world. The seven-time World Champion reflected on his journey through the sport, the challenges he has faced, and the deep respect he holds for those who have shaped snooker into the game it is today.
“This isn’t a farewell — it’s a thank you,” O’Sullivan began. “Snooker has given me everything — purpose, peace, frustration, and joy — sometimes all at once. But more than anything, it has given me people. People like Jimmy, who taught me that love for the game means more than trophies or headlines.”
O’Sullivan’s letter, shared on his official social media accounts, immediately drew a wave of emotional reactions from players and fans alike. The heartfelt message captures a side of “The Rocket” that fans rarely see — reflective, humble, and grateful.
He went on to pay special tribute to Jimmy White, a player he described as “the beating heart of snooker.”
“Jimmy has always been more than just a player. He’s the soul of this sport. The way he carried himself through wins, losses, and heartbreaks — he showed us what true sportsmanship looks like. I watched him as a kid and wanted to play with that same flair, that same joy. Even today, when I see Jimmy smile after a hard frame, I remember why I fell in love with the game.”
O’Sullivan also expressed gratitude to his fans, who have followed him through decades of highs and lows — from his explosive teenage debut to his record-breaking titles.
“You’ve all been part of my story,” he wrote. “When I’ve been at my best, you’ve lifted me higher. When I’ve struggled, you’ve stood by me. You understood that I’m not perfect — none of us are — but your faith in me has meant everything. You’ve seen the human side behind the cues and breaks, and I’ll never forget that.”
The letter also touched on the future of snooker, a topic O’Sullivan has often spoken about with both concern and hope.
“Snooker is changing, and it should,” he wrote. “There’s so much talent coming through — young players who play fearless, attacking snooker. They remind me of what I used to be, and it fills me with pride. The game will always evolve, but its spirit — that quiet intensity, that respect for craft — must remain. That’s what Jimmy, Steve Davis, Hendry, and so many others taught me.”
Towards the end of his message, O’Sullivan opened up about his personal struggles, acknowledging that his path has not always been easy.
“I’ve made mistakes, I’ve walked away from the table, I’ve questioned myself more times than I can count. But every time I picked up the cue again, it was because of love — love for the game, for the competition, and for all of you who believe in snooker. I owe everything to this sport.”
Concluding the emotional piece, Ronnie left a message that resonated deeply with fans across the globe:
“Jimmy — you’re a brother to me. To my fans — you’re family. And to snooker — you’re home. No matter where life takes me, I’ll always come back to the table. Because that’s where I found myself.”
The open letter has been hailed as one of the most touching moments in modern snooker history, a genuine expression from one legend to another, and a reminder of why the game continues to inspire millions.