O’Sullivan Confirms Participation in 2025 World Snooker Championship

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has confirmed his participation in the 2025 World Snooker Championship. This will be his 33rd consecutive appearance at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The 49-year-old is scheduled to face off against his longtime rival, Ali Carter, in a highly anticipated first-round match scheduled for Tuesday.

The snooker icon had previously expressed uncertainty about competing in the sport’s premier event, stating just a couple of weeks prior that he was undecided about going to Sheffield.

O’Sullivan’s absence from competition since January had fueled concerns regarding his condition and drive for the tournament.

However, according to global news outlets, O’Sullivan has now committed to competing and is anticipated to participate in the customary pre-tournament media event on Friday.

Despite his status as the most accomplished player in Crucible history, O’Sullivan is tempering expectations for securing an eighth world title this year.

O’Sullivan told a British newspaper, “If I were to go to Sheffield, I’d be content with securing just one victory. I believe that would be a positive outcome for me. Securing a single win would bring me immense satisfaction.”
His opening-round contest against Carter is poised to garner significant attention, owing not only to their established rivalry but also to O’Sullivan’s unpredictable demeanor and celebrated position in the sport.

The World Championship is set to commence this weekend, with O’Sullivan’s match being among the most eagerly awaited in the opening round.

When questioned by the publication two weeks ago about his prospects of playing at the Crucible, he responded, ‘Had you posed this question three days earlier, my response would have been, “I am playing with absolute certainty” because I had discovered something, and I was impressed by the quality of my shots.’