Ronnie O’Sullivan has confirmed to TNT Sports that he will compete at the World Snooker Championship, ending speculation over his participation. The seven-time champion has been testing a new cue and says he’s feeling good ahead of a blockbuster opener with Ali Carter on Tuesday. O’Sullivan will first appear as a pundit on TNT’s coverage this weekend before starting his latest Crucible push.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan has exclusively told TNT Sports that he has decided to play at the World Snooker Championship as he bids for a record eighth title.
O’Sullivan, the world No. 5, 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.”
The World Championship begins on Saturday, and reaches its climax on Monday, May 5, and you can watch all the action live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
O’Sullivan begins his campaign against Ali Carter on Tuesday.
“Before I’m at the table, I’ll be on the sofa for TNT Sports this Saturday and Sunday evening. I’m really looking forward to seeing the team again and having some fun,” added O’Sullivan.
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The 49-year-old will go for an eighth title in Sheffield, although he has not played on the World Snooker Tour since January, when he withdrew from the Championship League.
Following that, he pulled out of the Masters at Alexandra Palace, the German Masters in Berlin, and the Welsh Open, issuing an apology to fans saying he had to “look after my health and well-being”.
The most recent tournament he withdrew from was March’s World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, and speculation had grown over whether O’Sullivan would be present in Sheffield to challenge for the world title once more. On Thursday, he put that speculation to bed.
Last year, O’Sullivan claimed five titles, and has reached three semi-final stages this year, at the Xi’an Grand Prix, the Shanghai Masters, and the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship.
O’Sullivan’s last world title came in 2022, when he defeated Judd Trump in the final 18-13.
