Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in snooker history, has candidly revealed fresh uncertainty about his participation in the 2026 World Snooker Championship, raising concerns among fans ahead of the sport’s शोpiece event at the Crucible Theatre.
The seven-time world champion admitted that, prior to his impressive run at the 2026 World Open in China, he was seriously considering skipping the World Championship altogether. In a remarkably honest assessment of his current form and mindset, O’Sullivan said he had been “probably” not going to enter the tournament, citing a lack of confidence in his game.
This admission comes during what has been an inconsistent 2025–26 season for “The Rocket.” Despite flashes of brilliance, including a historic 153 break—the highest ever recorded in professional snooker—his campaign has been marked by limited appearances and early exits. His reduced schedule has been partly intentional, with O’Sullivan focusing on selected events, particularly in Asia, while stepping away from others to work on his form.
At one point, the 50-year-old even feared embarrassment if he competed at the Crucible, suggesting that his standards remain exceptionally high despite his legendary status. He explained that his struggles in recent months, particularly during January and February, had left him doubting whether he could compete at the level required to challenge for an eighth world title—something that would see him surpass Stephen Hendry’s long-standing record of seven championships.
However, O’Sullivan’s outlook has shifted slightly following his strong performance at the World Open, where he reached the final before losing to Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in a high-quality match. His run included not only deep progression but also moments of vintage brilliance, suggesting that his game may be rediscovering its rhythm at a crucial time.
Reflecting on his situation, O’Sullivan emphasised that he is taking a short-term approach to his career, stating he can only think “one day, one week at a time.” This perspective highlights both the physical and मानसिक demands of competing at the highest level into his fifth decade, as well as his ongoing search for consistency.
Importantly, his recent comments indicate that he is now more likely to participate in the World Championship than he was just weeks earlier. While he stopped short of confirming his entry definitively, he acknowledged that his improved form has given him renewed belief that he can still compete effectively.
Adding to the intrigue is his decision to skip other events leading into the Crucible, including the Tour Championship, despite qualifying for it. This choice underlines his unconventional approach to scheduling and preparation, which has long been a hallmark of his career.
Ultimately, O’Sullivan’s doubts—and his gradual rediscovery of confidence—set the stage for a compelling narrative heading into the 2026 World Snooker Championship. Whether he competes or not, and how he performs if he does, will be one of the defining storylines of this year’s tournament.
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