Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has confirmed plans to resume his 2026 season after a brief but worrying absence due to illness, with his comeback set to begin at next week’s German Masters in Berlin

RONNIE RETURN Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 2026 snooker plans revealed after recovering from illness with last match at UK Championship

 

 

Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has confirmed plans to resume his 2026 season after a brief but worrying absence due to illness, with his comeback set to begin at next week’s German Masters in Berlin. The seven-time world champion has been out of competitive action since the UK Championship, where he suffered a first-round defeat, marking his last match before Christmas.

The veteran Englishman, affectionately known as The Rocket, hasn’t played since losing to Zhou Yuelong 6-4 in the opening round of the UK Championship in December — a match that came just days before his 50th birthday. Following that defeat, O’Sullivan withdrew from the Masters and missed other early-season events, citing medical reasons as he struggled with his fitness and general wellbeing.

While the exact nature of his health issues remains undisclosed, reports from multiple outlets confirm that the 50-year-old was feeling “physically drained” in the weeks leading up to the Triple Crown event at Alexandra Palace, prompting him to prioritise recovery over competition.

Now, after a period of rest and training — which included practice sessions in Ireland — O’Sullivan appears ready to return to the professional circuit. He is scheduled to compete in a held-over qualifier at the German Masters, where he will face China’s Long Zehuang for a place in the main draw. Victory would set up a match against Ali Carter in the first round. The German Masters, one of the early ranking events of the 2026 calendar, concludes on February 1, with a £100,000 winner’s prize on offer.

This comeback marks a significant moment in what is O’Sullivan’s 34th professional season since turning pro in 1992. Over the decades he has established himself as one of snooker’s greatest talents, boasting multiple world titles and a global fanbase.

Off the table, the snooker icon remains a figure of fascination. Recent reports suggest he has surprise plans for his 50th birthday, choosing a low-key celebration in Ireland rather than a snooker-centric event.

Despite ongoing speculation about his future — including occasional comments about having “nothing left” to achieve in the sport — O’Sullivan has repeatedly demonstrated resilience throughout his career. Questions about his long-term retirement plans often surface after early exits or breaks, but every time he has found a way to return with renewed focus.

As the 2026 season gets underway in earnest, all eyes will be on Ronnie O’Sullivan’s performance in Berlin next week. Whether he can rediscover his best form after his recent hiatus remains to be seen, but his return alone will be a major talking point in the world of snooker and among fans worldwide.

Stay tuned for live results from the German Masters and further updates on O’Sullivan’s season plans.