Ronnie O’Sullivan has confirmed he WILL play at the Snooker World Championship this year. The Rocket’s participation in the tournament was in severe doubt after barely taking to the table in 2025.
O’Sullivan had pullled out of the Championship League, the Masters at Alexandra Palace, the German Masters in Berlin, and the Welsh Open earlier this season. And there was still doubt about his appearance at the World Championships even up to Thursday morning’s draw where he was matched up against long-term foe Ali Carter.
But O’Sullivan has now confirmed that he will be appearing at The Crucible as he attempts to win a record-breaking eighth title. In a statement to TNT Sports, he said: “I’m proud to continue my record of having never missed a World Championship. I have many fond memories at The Crucible and look forward to making more in 2025. I’ve enjoyed some good prep with my (new!) cue over the last week so feel good ahead of Tuesday.”
O’Sullivan’s debut match this year will see him renew rivalries with Carter having previously launched into a foul-mouth rant about his upcoming opponent.
Speaking at the time, he blasted: “He needs to sort his f***ing life out. I’m not going to skirt around it anymore, tip-toeing on egg shells around someone like that. He’s a f***ing nightmare. Playing snooker against someone like that is a nightmare.
“He’s not a nice person. It’s not a nice vibe he leaves around the table. I’ve said my piece, I don’t give a s**t. I’ve said it now, done. You know what he’s like, everybody knows what he’s like. He’s got issues.
“F***ing why has he got issues with me? I’m not having it. I don’t care, grow some balls. I don’t give a f**k, I don’t give a f**k about any of these snooker players, any of them.
“The more he brings it on, the more I f***ing punish him every time. He’s just digging a grave for himself. I don’t give a f**k. That’s it, I’ve said my piece.”
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But The Rocket claimed this year that he regretted that outburst. Speaking in January, he said: “Yeah. It’s just heat of the moment stuff. If I feel like I’ve got to say something I’ll say it. It’s nothing personal, just heat of the moment stuff. 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 with my answers, a bit more diplomatic. But I’ve said what I’ve said and that’s fine. It’s only words innit?
“He goes back to his life, his family and I do. We only have to meet on the table, it’s not like we’re best mates but it’s fine, we’re both pretty grown up.
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