Ronnie O’Sullivan makes surprise career move after rule change

Ronnie O’Sullivan is set to appear at the World Seniors Snooker Championship for the first time.

A rule change has allowed the Rocket to join the field for this year’s tournament.

Getty

The event begins on May 6, just two days after the final of the World Snooker Championship.

Both tournaments will be held at the Crucible in Sheffield, with the World Snooker Championship taking place from April 18 to May 4.

O’Sullivan will be eyeing a record eighth world title ahead of making his World Seniors Snooker Championship debut.

His last triumph at the Crucible came back in 2022, whilst he was beaten in the semi-finals by eventual winner Zhao Xintong last year.

O’Sullivan’s seniors debut

The world No.11 has been presented the chance to appear at the seniors event for the first time by a rule change.

Players aged 45 and over who are inside the world’s top 64 are now eligible to compete.

Despite dropping out of the top 10 after withdrawing from several events this year, O’Sullivan remains 11th on the two-year list.

The likes of Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, Stuart Bingham, Reanne Evans and Joe Perry are also set to feature.

Last year’s tournament was won by Alfie Burden, who beat Aaron Canavan in the final.

Burden scooped £20,000 in prize money with his victory, with runner-up Canavan taking home £10,000.

Getty

O’Sullivan, who turned 50 in December, has not won a ranking title for over two years.

His 41st ranking victory came back at the 2024 World Grand Prix.

This year’s edition of the tournament represents his most recent competitive action.

However, he was beaten in the last 16 of the event by China’s Xiao Quodong.

O’Sullivan is not taking part in the Welsh Open in Llandudno this week.

Instead, he is scheduled to return to the table at the World Open next month.

Getty

The event takes place in Yushan, China between March 16 and 22.

O’Sullivan’s qualifying match against Ross Muir has been held over and will be held at the main venue.