Ronnie O’Sullivan is set to make a historic bid this year by aiming to secure two world titles at the Crucible within a month. The 50-year-old, known for his competitive edge, will compete against players on the senior circuit as he looks to claim his eighth World Championship crown in his 34th consecutive appearance.
Adding to his impressive lineup, O’Sullivan will also make his debut at the World Seniors Snooker Championship in Yorkshire, scheduled to start on May 6 and run over five days. His participation in the event has been confirmed by the World Seniors Snooker Tour, highlighting him as a key attraction among a field that includes other world champions like Mark Williams, Stuart Bingham, and Ken Doherty.
Among the notable names joining O’Sullivan are Jimmy White, Matthew Stevens, Tony Drago, and more, making it the strongest field assembled for a World Seniors event. Chairman Jason Francis expressed excitement about O’Sullivan’s debut, emphasizing the increased ticket sales driven by the snooker legend’s presence at the event.
Following adjustments to the rules by the World Snooker Tour after the 2025 World Championship, professional players aged 45 or older and ranked in the top 64 can now participate on the veterans circuit. O’Sullivan, with seven world titles to his name, will be aiming to add to his illustrious career, having last clinched the title in 2022.
In a generous gesture, Stephen Hendry, holding the record for the youngest winner, has voiced his support for O’Sullivan’s potential eighth world title win. Hendry, recalling his own achievements, expressed pride in his records and his preference for O’Sullivan to secure another title, acknowledging the talent required to achieve such milestones in snooker.