Ronnie O’Sullivan Contemplates Quitting Tournaments in Britain After World Snooker Championship Loss
Ronnie O’Sullivan has sent shockwaves through the snooker world with his recent comments following his quarter-final loss at the World Snooker Championship. The snooker legend, who was defeated by Stuart Bingham 13-10 at the Crucible, has hinted that he may quit playing tournaments in Britain in the future.
O’Sullivan revealed that he only participated in the World Snooker Championship after being persuaded by a new sponsor. The 48-year-old recently signed a deal with the Saudis, which requires him to play in the inaugural Saudi Masters in Riyadh later this year. Despite his commitment to the event, O’Sullivan admitted that he had initially planned to skip the World Snooker Championship until his sponsor intervened.
Following his defeat to Bingham, O’Sullivan expressed his reluctance to continue playing in less appealing UK events, stating that he will prioritize big-money offers from Saudi Arabia and the Far East. With a busy schedule ahead, including exhibition tours in China, Finland, and Bulgaria, O’Sullivan emphasized that he will be selective about the tournaments he chooses to participate in.
The snooker star’s comments have raised questions about the future of the World Snooker Championship at The Crucible, as Saudi Arabia’s influence on the sport continues to grow. O’Sullivan’s focus on lucrative opportunities abroad and his willingness to prioritize his personal life suggest that his playing career may take a different direction in the coming years.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future tournament appearances, O’Sullivan remains committed to the sport as long as his needs are met. With a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to maximize his potential, O’Sullivan’s next moves in the world of snooker will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and critics alike.