Ronnie O'Sullivan Sets Sights on Record Eighth World Snooker Championship
Snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan has openly declared his ultimate career ambition: securing an unprecedented eighth World Snooker Championship title. The legendary player, known as The Rocket, currently shares the modern record of seven world championships with Stephen Hendry, but at 50 years old, he acknowledges time is of the essence to achieve this historic feat.
A Focused Final Push for Crucible Glory
Speaking at this week's German Masters in Berlin, O'Sullivan outlined his strategic approach to the remainder of his career. I'd like to win one more, he stated, emphasising that this goal will shape his tournament participation. I will probably have three or four genuine attempts at it, he added, recognising the narrowing window of opportunity. His last World Championship victory came in 2022, and he believes maintaining peak performance for a few more years is crucial to realising this dream.
O'Sullivan's recent schedule has been notably light, with highlights including a run to the final of the Saudi Arabia Masters. However, setbacks such as a first-round exit at the UK Championship in December and a medical withdrawal from the Masters this month have punctuated his season. Now back in action in Berlin, he is candid about the challenges ahead, particularly for this year's World Championship in Sheffield. I think I might have left it a little bit late, he admitted, referencing his limited tournament preparation. I've got this tournament, Hong Kong [Grand Prix] and then maybe Yushan [World Open] and that's probably it for me before Sheffield.
The Significance of an Eighth Title
For O'Sullivan, an eighth world title would not only break the tie with Hendry but also hold symbolic meaning. It would be 8-8-8. Lucky for the Chinese, they love a number 8, he remarked, highlighting the cultural resonance. Beyond the numbers, it represents the culmination of a storied career that has seen him dominate the sport for decades. His World Championship victories span from 2001 to 2022, showcasing remarkable longevity and skill.
- 2001: 18-14 win over John Higgins
- 2004: 18-8 victory against Graeme Dott
- 2008: 18-8 triumph over Ali Carter
- 2012: 18-11 win against Ali Carter
- 2013: 18-12 victory over Barry Hawkins
- 2020: 18-8 win against Kyren Wilson
- 2022: 18-13 triumph over Judd Trump
Balancing Career and Personal Life
Now based in Dubai, O'Sullivan has adjusted his lifestyle to prioritise well-being and family time, which impacts his tournament travel. If every tournament could be a 20-minute drive from my house I'd probably play in a lot more tournaments, he explained, noting the toll of extensive travel. Despite this, his passion for the game remains undiminished. I love practicing, love the game, he affirmed, adding that he has been working hard on his skills even with a reduced competition schedule.
This season, O'Sullivan plans to peak towards certain tournaments, with a more focused approach next year to build match form ahead of major events. He reflects positively on his current phase, enjoying practice and the game more than ever, while valuing time at home with family. Doing something I love, which is playing snooker, but going home, having dinner and being with the family, he shared, underscoring his balanced perspective.
Current Form and Future Prospects
At the German Masters, O'Sullivan began his campaign with a 5-1 win over China's Long Zehuang, though he acknowledged room for improvement. I felt the tables were unbelievably fast, he commented, adjusting to tournament conditions after limited play on such tables. He now faces Ali Carter in the last 32, a familiar opponent from past World Championship finals.
Looking ahead, O'Sullivan remains optimistic but realistic about his chances. I'm not saying I can't do it this year, he said of the World Championship, suggesting that a strong run in upcoming tournaments could bolster his prospects. It's a different animal, that tournament, once you get to that stage, anybody can win it really, he noted, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Crucible. With his one last ambition left in snooker clear, fans and pundits alike will watch closely as he pursues this historic goal in the coming seasons.
