Snooker’s greatest icon considers retirement as shocking tensions rise with the World Snooker Tour
Snooker Legend at a Shocking Crossroads
Ronnie O’Sullivan, the undisputed legend of snooker, has issued a retirement warning. The seven-time world champion revealed he might walk away from the sport altogether due to a clash with the World Snooker Tour (WST) over restrictions placed on China-based exhibition events.
He Feels More Valued in China Than on the WST Circuit
O’Sullivan said he feels more respected and celebrated in China than he does on the official snooker tour. He called Chinese events “a breath of fresh air” compared to the increasingly bureaucratic nature of WST tournaments.
“They treat us like superstars in China. It’s a shocking contrast to how we’re handled elsewhere,” he noted.
Chinese Exhibitions Offer Shocking Financial Rewards
One of the most factors driving Ronnie’s frustration is the difference in earnings. The Macau snooker exhibitions offer appearance fees and sponsorship deals that shockingly exceed what many official tournaments pay—despite being non-ranking.
The snooker icon seems unwilling to give up these shocking financial opportunities just to play in less rewarding events.
WST Restrictions Are Causing Shocking Frustration
The World Snooker Tour’s response to Ronnie’s China appearances—issuing formal warnings—was a turning point. The WST’s strict scheduling rules left him feeling trapped, unable to balance personal preference with professional obligations.
“If I can’t play in China, then I won’t play at all,” Ronnie said—a declaration that stunned the snooker community.
He’s Ready to Walk Away for Shocking Reasons of Passion
O’Sullivan’s decisions have always been led by passion, not pressure. he admitted that being forced into tournaments he doesn’t enjoy is killing his love for the game. Playing in China keeps that fire alive—and without it, retirement may come sooner than anyone expected.
Snooker Must Change —
Ronnie believes that the sport must adapt to modern demands. If it doesn’t, the world could face the shocking departure of its biggest star. He sees China as the future of snooker and views the current model of the WST as outdated and rigid.
Unless shocking reforms are made, Ronnie’s retirement might be just the beginning of a larger player exodus.
WST Responds to the Controversy
WST issued a public statement defending its position. It argued that players must respect the tour schedule, even as it admitted prize money had returned to pre-COVID levels—over £14 million this season.
Still, the possibility of losing snooker’s biggest name is a risk the sport may not afford to take.
The Shocking Future of Snooker
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s ultimatum has forced the sport to reckon with a truth: players want more freedom, more respect, and a modernized system. Whether the WST adapts or resists could determine the professional snooker in the coming years.
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Source :- Sportsamrath
