In a surprising turn of events, snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has announced plans to relocate from the UK to the Middle East, sparking widespread speculation about his future in professional snooker. Following his unexpected 17–7 semi-final defeat to Zhao Xintong at the 2025 World Snooker Championship, O’Sullivan revealed his intention to “start a new life,” leaving fans and pundits alike questioning what this means for the seven-time world champion’s illustrious career. ([talkSPORT][1])
O’Sullivan, who has been a dominant force in snooker for over two decades, expressed that while snooker remains important to him, other aspects of life are now taking precedence. He emphasized the need to focus on personal well-being and hinted at a potential shift towards business ventures, including his snooker academy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This move suggests a desire to explore new opportunities beyond the green baize. ([talkSPORT][1], [The Guardian][2])
### Reflecting on a Storied Career
At 49, O’Sullivan has been candid about the challenges of maintaining peak performance. He has withdrawn from several tournaments this year, citing mental and physical exhaustion. In a recent interview, he likened the psychological demands of professional snooker to chess and expressed a desire to rebuild his game over the next two years, even though he acknowledged that success may be unlikely at this stage. ([talkSPORT][3])
### A Legacy of Excellence
Despite recent setbacks, O’Sullivan’s legacy in snooker remains unparalleled. His record-breaking achievements, including multiple World Championship titles and a reputation for playing with flair and creativity, have solidified his status as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. His influence extends beyond the table, inspiring a new generation of players and fans worldwide.
As O’Sullivan embarks on this new chapter, the snooker world watches closely. While he has not officially announced his retirement, his recent statements and actions suggest a significant shift in focus. Whether this marks the end of his competitive career or the beginning of a new phase remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Ronnie O’Sullivan’s impact on snooker will be felt for years to come.
For more updates on Ronnie O’Sullivan’s future in snooker, stay tuned to official snooker channels and reputable sports news outlets.
[1]: https://talksport.com/sport/snooker/3173948/ronnie-osullivan-snooker-world-championship-crucible-retirement-fears-uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “‘Start a new life’ – Ronnie O’Sullivan sparks fresh retirement fears with plans to leave UK”
[2]: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/may/05/ali-carter-ronnie-osullivan-world-championship?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ronnie O’Sullivan threatens to quit after World Championship final | Snooker | The Guardian”
[3]: https://talksport.com/sport/snooker/3114039/ronnie-osullivan-retirement-snooker/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “‘Repair myself’ – Ronnie O’Sullivan breaks silence with worrying retirement admission”