Ronnie O’Sullivan is set to make a historic bid this year by aiming to clinch two world titles at the Crucible in a month’s time after registering for the World Seniors Snooker Championship. Despite being 50 years old, O’Sullivan remains a fierce competitor on the tour and will face off against players on the senior circuit. In the upcoming spring, the Rocket will vie for an unprecedented eighth crown in his 34th consecutive World Championship appearance.
Staying in Yorkshire, O’Sullivan will mark his debut in the senior tournament, scheduled to commence on May 6 and run for five days. The World Seniors Snooker Tour has confirmed O’Sullivan’s participation, highlighting him as “The Rocket,” widely recognized as the sport’s most successful and engaging figure, and headlining the strongest field ever assembled for a World Seniors event.
Joining O’Sullivan at the event will be other world champions like Mark Williams, Stuart Bingham, and Ken Doherty. Additionally, players such as Jimmy White, Matthew Stevens, and Tony Drago will also compete, making it a competitive lineup. The tour chairman, Jason Francis, expressed excitement about O’Sullivan’s debut, emphasizing the boost in ticket sales and the anticipation around O’Sullivan’s quest for another world title.
Following the 2025 World Championship, the World Snooker Tour relaxed rules allowing professional players aged 45 or older ranked in the top 64 to compete in the veterans circuit. O’Sullivan, with seven world titles to his name, aims to add to his impressive record, having last triumphed in 2022, drawing level with Stephen Hendry’s record. Hendry himself has expressed admiration for O’Sullivan’s achievements, particularly his youthful success in winning world titles.
In a recent World Snooker Tour podcast, Hendry mentioned his pride in holding certain records but expressed his preference for O’Sullivan to clinch an eighth world title. He acknowledged the exceptional talent required to achieve such feats at a young age and showed respect for O’Sullivan’s accomplishments.