Ronnie O’Sullivan, a renowned figure in snooker, has disclosed that he is now more discerning in choosing his engagements, recognizing that his high-level career may be approaching its conclusion. This shift in focus entails a reduction in exhibition matches for the player known as The Rocket, as he directs more attention towards competitive tournaments.
Approaching his 50th birthday in December, O’Sullivan boasts an impressive record as a seven-time world champion, including his recent triumph at The Crucible in 2022. While he opted out of several events in the 2025/26 season, he did make an appearance in the final of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters in August, narrowly losing to Neil Robertson.
Although exhibition games offer significant financial rewards for top players, O’Sullivan has opted to forego them as he navigates the later stages of his career in professional snooker. In a statement to Sportsboom, he explained his decision to prioritize tournament play over exhibitions due to the demanding nature of balancing both.
Recognizing the limited time he may have left at the pinnacle of the sport, O’Sullivan expressed his intention to give his all in the time he has left, aiming to sustain his career with the support of his sponsors. With a strategic relocation to Dubai to streamline his travel for tournaments in Asia, O’Sullivan looks ahead to the upcoming Xi’an Grand Prix in China, a competition where he reached the semi-finals in the previous year.
Reflecting on his recent move away from the UK, O’Sullivan disclosed that he had long contemplated living elsewhere, especially after his loss in the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship in May. Anticipating changes in his personal and professional life, he remains focused on his game while exploring opportunities for the future.
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