Ronnie O’Sullivan, the seven-time World Snooker Champion, is set to return to the Crucible Theatre for the 2025 World Snooker Championship, though his confidence is shaken as he prepares to face his longtime rival, Ali Carter. Just days before the tournament, O’Sullivan found himself at a crossroads, uncertain about his participation after a lengthy hiatus from competitive play.
As recently as April 16, 2025, O’Sullivan was undecided about competing, having not played since January when he snapped his cue in frustration during the Championship League in Leicester. His withdrawal from several major events, including the Masters, raised questions about whether he would make his 33rd consecutive appearance at the Crucible.
However, after two pivotal conversations with Barry Hawkins and his psychiatrist, Dr. Steve Peters, O’Sullivan decided to take the plunge. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do,” O’Sullivan admitted. “I played Barry Hawkins for a couple of days and on the second day, it was that bad that I quit halfway through the session.”
Hawkins, who has been a supportive figure, encouraged O’Sullivan, saying, “It’s not as bad as you maybe think.” This reassurance, combined with Peters’ advice to focus solely on the upcoming tournament, helped O’Sullivan regain some motivation. “I held on to those two people and just thought just try and play,” he said.
Despite this renewed determination, O’Sullivan remains apprehensive about his form. He expressed concerns about having lost his instinctiveness on the table, stating, “It feels pretty scary. The white ball is doing things that I’ve never seen it do before.” This admission reflects a deeper struggle, as O’Sullivan has not won a ranking event since November 2024 and has faced significant challenges in his game since attempting a new training technique six years ago.
“I don’t know how to get back to somewhere near I used to play,” he lamented. “I’m not sure it’s actually fixable, if I’m being honest – especially at this stage of my career.” O’Sullivan is keenly aware of the pressure he faces, noting that competing at the Crucible is a different beast compared to exhibition matches where he recently recorded two maximum 147 breaks.
“I wouldn’t read too much into a 147 in an exhibition,” he cautioned. “It’s a lot different to coming to the Crucible and playing the best players in the world.” As he prepares for his first-round match against Carter, scheduled for April 22, 2025, O’Sullivan is focused on simply being competitive. “I’d be very happy to just give Ali a game. I have to be realistic,” he said.
The rivalry between O’Sullivan and Carter adds an intriguing layer to this matchup. Their history includes heated exchanges, notably during last year’s Masters final, where tensions flared over alleged unsportsmanlike conduct. O’Sullivan has since expressed regret over some of his remarks, describing their past clashes as “heat of the moment” incidents.
“I wished I wouldn’t have said what I said but I can’t take it back,” he reflected. “Neither of us think much about it.” Despite the animosity, O’Sullivan recognizes Carter’s talent, admitting, “You probably have to make Ali favourite going into this game.”
As the tournament approaches, O’Sullivan’s mental state remains a focal point. He candidly acknowledged the possibility of withdrawing if he experiences a “meltdown” before his match. “I’m surprised I’m here but I am here. Just getting out there to play will be a victory in itself,” he said.
The 49-year-old’s journey to this point has been fraught with challenges, including personal turmoil. O’Sullivan has recently relocated to Hong Kong and spent considerable time in Saudi Arabia, where he runs a snooker academy. He has also faced upheaval in his personal life, including a reported split from his long-term partner.
Despite these distractions, O’Sullivan remains committed to his craft. “I owe it to my career to focus on just playing in the next two years at least and just see if I can rediscover some decent form and try and finish my career on a good note,” he stated. His determination to give it one last push is evident, as he aims to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite.
As O’Sullivan steps onto the iconic Crucible stage, all eyes will be on him. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see if the Rocket can navigate his current struggles and rediscover the magic that has made him a legend in the sport. With the tournament running from April 19 to May 5, 2025, the snooker world is poised for an exciting showdown.
In summary, while O’Sullivan’s return is marked by uncertainty and self-doubt, his passion for the game remains undiminished. Whether he can overcome his current challenges and make a significant impact in this championship will be one of the most compelling narratives of the tournament.
