BREAKING LIVE : RONNIE O’SULLIVAN threatens to retire on the spot if snooker c…
Ronnie O’Sullivan has informed snooker’s chiefs that he will retire once and for all if the sport decides to copy darts with its pageantry.Darts is enjoying a popularity boom that snooker, among others, will be envious of thanks to Luke Littler. The razzmatazz, glitz and glamour at PDC events have further propelled the sport forward and fans have been thrilled with the addition of walk-on songs.It has resonated with a younger audience in a way that snooker has struggled to. The number of snooker clubs across the UK is dwindling and with rumours that the World Championship could leave the Crucible in favour of a new home in Saudi Arabia, concerns are beginning to pile up.O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, continues to be the main draw at events and many were disappointed when the Rocket pulled out of the British Open on the eve of the first match.The 48-year-old wants snooker to succeed but not at the cost of introducing walk-on songs for players when they enter the stage. When asked about how he would react if darts were copied in that fashion, he told talkSPORT: “I’d probably definitely retire! I’d be like: ‘You know what? I’m out of here now’.This is far from the first time that O’Sullivan has threatened to walk out on snooker, but he has further explained what he plans to do with his time once a glittering professional career comes to an end.I would probably be spending more time playing in those events and doing exhibitions and stuff out there (in Asia),” O’Sullivan said. “I just like being out there, so any excuse to get me out there… I spend most of my time there as I can.He also elaborated on how different players deal with a diminishing level of success compared to their peaks, affecting how long they are prepared to stay in the game, just a day after 62-year-old Jimmy White battled Jackson Page in qualifiers to reach the Northern Ireland Open.It depends where you’re at with it, Stephen Hendry, he was such a winner, that when he wasn’t winning, he found it really difficult,” O’Sullivan said. “I think Steve Davis was the same, Jimmy White seemed to be like, ‘I don’t really care about winning or losing, I just love the game.’So if you love the sport then obviously (you can keep playing), but if it’s important to you that you’re winning and competing at the top end of the game, as you get older, inevitably these youngsters come along and they’re really fantastic players.So it’s hard for some of the older established players to keep going in many ways because these youngsters are very, very good…Ronnie O’Sullivan’s career and views have long been a focal point in the world of snooker. Known as “The Rocket,” O’Sullivan is admired not only for his unmatched skill and achievements, including seven world titles, but also for his outspoken nature. The 48-year-old has often shared his thoughts about the state of snooker and its future direction, particularly in relation to the evolving entertainment landscape in other sports.O’Sullivan’s recent comments on potentially retiring if snooker adopts a pageantry similar to darts highlights his resistance to certain changes that could alter the sport’s traditional atmosphere. While darts has gained a huge following through its vibrant walk-on songs and party-like atmosphere, O’Sullivan believes that snooker should not adopt this model in a bid to attract younger audiences. His firm stance on this matter is clear: if snooker heads in that direction, he will walk away from the sport for good. The Rocket’s strong opinion reflects his belief that the sport’s essence could be compromised for the sake of modern trends.O’Sullivan’s aversion to pageantry, however, doesn’t mean that he opposes change entirely. He has acknowledged the shrinking number of snooker clubs in the UK and the potential of the sport moving to new territories, such as Saudi Arabia. Yet, his primary focus seems to be on maintaining the integrity and dignity of the sport. In contrast to darts’ glitz and glamour, snooker has historically been associated with a more serious and respectful atmosphere, something O’Sullivan wants to preserve.In discussing the later stages of his career, O’Sullivan has shown an openness to new opportunities, especially in Asia, where snooker enjoys significant popularity. The appeal of Asian snooker circuits and exhibitions has grown on him. He has mentioned that once he steps away from the competitive arena, he plans to spend more time in Asia, where he feels at home and can continue contributing to the game in a different capacity.Reflecting on the experiences of other legendary players such as Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, and Jimmy White, O’Sullivan also touched on the emotional and mental challenges of coping with declining performance as they age. He understands the varying perspectives among older players—some thrive on competition, while others, like White, find pure joy in the game itself, regardless of wins or losses. O’Sullivan, who has always been highly competitive, recognizes that a major challenge for aging players is facing the younger generation of talented players, who are capable of taking over the sport.Ultimately, O’Sullivan’s future in snooker seems to be contingent on how the sport evolves. Should it embrace a more commercial and theatrical direction, it may push him toward retirement. However, his passion for snooker and his growing interest in Asia suggest that even in retirement, O’Sullivan will remain a significant figure in the sport, albeit on his own terms. His influence, both on and off the table, will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of snooker for years to come.
