Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Uncertainty Surrounds Ronnie O’Sullivan’s World Snooker Championship Participation
Snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan has cast doubt over his presence at the upcoming World Snooker Championship, fueling speculation about a potential withdrawal from the prestigious tournament. The world number four is expected to make a final decision regarding his participation closer to the event. O’Sullivan has been absent from competitive play since January, following an incident where he broke his cue at the Championship League. He was also ineligible for this week’s Tour Championship.
O’Sullivan’s Record at the Crucible Under Threat
Despite qualifying for the season-ending Sheffield competition, O’Sullivan’s participation remains uncertain, raising concerns among fans. He boasts an unbroken streak of 32 appearances at the World Championship since his debut in 1992, a record potentially at risk.
Recent Withdrawals and Fitness Concerns
This season has seen O’Sullivan withdraw from several major tournaments, including the Masters, World Grand Prix, Scottish Open, German Masters, and Welsh Open. Citing medical reasons for these absences, often announced at short notice, he has prompted frustration among supporters.
Decision Imminent: “I Haven’t Made My Mind Up”
“I don’t know yet,” the seven-time World Champion stated when questioned about his plans for the Crucible. “I haven’t reached a decision. I’ll probably decide around the 17th or 18th of April. I’m not sure when my first match is scheduled, so I want to give myself as much time as possible.”
He added, “Ideally, I would like to compete there, I’d like to feel confident enough to take out my cue and play snooker. I simply need to allow myself sufficient time to assess my current condition and determine if it’s something I am capable of doing.”
“Lost the Love for the Game”: Roots of Frustration
The 49-year-old player indicated that recent years have “taken a toll,” suggesting his cue-snapping incident against Robert Milkins in Leicester stemmed from a waning enthusiasm for the sport.
“It’s been a genuine struggle,” O’Sullivan admitted. “I’ve attempted to play through it. There have been fleeting moments when I thought, ‘Okay, things are better.'”
“However, overall, roughly three and a half years out of the last four have been quite difficult for me, and that has had a cumulative effect.”
Seeking Resolution Before Return to Snooker
“I became somewhat weary. It gradually wore me down to the point where I essentially lost my passion for the game. That explains why, in January, I snapped my cue in anger and frustration. I don’t want to feel that way, so I’ve taken some time away.”
“I intend to resolve what I perceive to be the underlying issue before returning to competitive snooker.”
Gary Wilson Set to Benefit from Potential O’Sullivan Withdrawal
Should O’Sullivan withdraw from the World Championship before it commences, Gary Wilson, currently ranked world number 17, would be elevated to a seeded position. This promotion would allow Wilson to bypass the qualifying rounds.