Ronnie O’Sullivan has confirmed that he will be playing in the 2025 World Snooker Championship, marking his 33rd consecutive appearance at the Crucible.
The seven-time world champion’s participation had been uncertain for a while, following his decision to take a break after an emotional exit from the Champions League back in January.
However, despite concerns over his form and burnout, O’Sullivan has now decided to make his comeback.
O’Sullivan’s Recent Struggles and Comeback Decision
After a period of frustration and burnout, O’Sullivan had initially suggested that he might skip this year’s event.
The 49-year-old admitted to feeling “burned out” after struggling for four years and was unsure about his readiness to play in Sheffield.
However, after some promising results in practice, including two 147 breaks at his academy in Saudi Arabia, he has decided to take part in the tournament.
“I’ve enjoyed some good prep with my new cue over the last week, so I feel good ahead of Tuesday,” O’Sullivan told TNT Sports.
He expressed pride in maintaining his streak of never missing a World Championship.
“I have many fond memories at the Crucible and look forward to making more in 2025.”
A Grudge Match with Ali Carter
O’Sullivan’s return to the World Championship kicks off with a highly anticipated first-round match against his old rival, Ali Carter.
The two have a long and complicated history, with their rivalry spanning over a decade.
O’Sullivan has previously defeated Carter in the 2008 and 2012 world finals, but their relationship has been anything but cordial.
The two had a memorable altercation at the Crucible in 2018, where they famously barged shoulders during their second-round match.
Carter came out on top in that encounter, but the bad blood between the two remains.
Their rivalry flared up again after O’Sullivan defeated Carter in the 2024 Masters final.
Carter accused O’Sullivan of “snotting all over the floor,” which prompted a fiery response from O’Sullivan, who called Carter a “fing nightmare” and suggested he needed to “sort his fing life out.”
However, O’Sullivan later admitted regret over the outburst, acknowledging that it was just “heat of the moment stuff.”
“It’s nothing personal. He’s entitled to say what he’s got to say, like I am. Do I regret saying it? Probably.
I wish I’d kept my mouth shut and been a bit more polished,” O’Sullivan reflected.
Despite the heated exchanges, O’Sullivan expressed that their rivalry remains purely professional.
“We only have to meet on the table, it’s not like we’re best mates, but it’s fine.”
Aiming for More Than Just a Win
Although O’Sullivan is aiming for a record-breaking eighth world title, he’s keeping his expectations realistic.
When asked about his chances of winning the tournament, he said, “I’d be happy with just winning a match.
If I got one win, I’d be over the moon.”
This humble outlook highlights his uncertain form and the pressure he’s been under following his extended absence from competitive snooker.
The Rest of the First-Round Draw
In other first-round matchups, defending champion Kyren Wilson will take on Lei Peifan, while world number one Judd Trump faces Zhou Yuelong.
Masters champion Shaun Murphy will also begin his campaign against debutant Daniel Wells.
With O’Sullivan’s match against Carter adding extra drama to the opening day, the 2025 World Snooker Championship is shaping up to be a thrilling event.
As O’Sullivan gets ready for his opening match on Tuesday, all eyes will be on the Crucible, where the Rocket will look to prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with, despite the doubts and challenges he’s faced in recent months.