“Unbelievable” — O’Sullivan Enjoys the Sunny Side of Life After Cue Crisis in Saudi Arabia.

“Unbelievable” — O’Sullivan Enjoys the Sunny Side of Life After Cue Crisis in Saudi Arabia.

 

LONDON — After a recent bout of turmoil centered around a cue-breaking meltdown, seven‑time world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan appears to be embracing a sunnier chapter in his life—one that’s increasingly tied to the Arabian Peninsula.

O’Sullivan’s journey through the 2025 season has been turbulent. Earlier in the year, he dramatically snapped his favorite cue in frustration during the Championship League—sparking concerns about his mental game and equipment woes . The incident highlighted deeper struggles: shaky confidence, lingering doubt about whether it was the cue, the ferrule—or himself that was to blame .

Despite these setbacks, he returned to the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible. But even there, the equipment curse followed him: he admitted switching tips and ferrules in the semi-final against Zhao Xintong, yet still felt mentally lost and mechanically off the mark .

Following a crushing 17–7 loss to Zhao in the semis, O’Sullivan publicly declared his intent to relocate to the Middle East, saying: “I think I’m going to be moving out of the UK this year… A new life somewhere else.” He noted that while snooker remains important, other aspects of life are now taking precedence .

That pivot isn’t entirely surprising. O’Sullivan already runs a snooker academy in Riyadh, established in 2024, and agreed to an ambassadorial deal ensuring he plays in all World Snooker Tour events held in the region . His fondness for the culture is clear: after winning the World Masters of Snooker in Riyadh, he marveled at the relaxed pace and passionate fans, saying the Middle Eastern way “suits my personality really well” .

His move reflects broader trends in the sport. Snooker’s governing institutions are increasingly eyeing Saudi Arabia as a growth hub, with substantial prize funds and modern venues. There’s even speculation that the World Championship might relocate from its traditional Sheffield venue after 2027 .

Recently, O’Sullivan has also begun channeling his energy into new ventures—most notably launching a YouTube channel featuring snooker highlights, cooking, casual chats, and more. His debut video—a 147 break caught during practice in Saudi Arabia—drew thousands of views within a day . Meanwhile, he’s launching a candid fortnightly newsletter, “The Break,” offering fans unfiltered glimpses into his life, snooker reflections, and behind-the-scenes content .

In sum, what began as a cue crisis seems to be evolving into something far brighter. O’Sullivan may be stepping away from his comfort zone in the UK, but in doing so, he’s embracing new beginnings, new platforms, and new rhythms—striking a balance between sport, self‑rediscovery, and the sunny side of life. Whether his cue will ever be fully fixed—and whether his passion for snooker will return to its elite peak—remains uncertain. But one thing’s clear: the Rocket is charting a bold new course under Arabian skies.