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BREAKING: Ronnie O’Sullivan Confirms He Will Play for Record 8th World Snooker Championship Title
Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has officially confirmed that he will compete in the 2025 World Snooker Championship, aiming to win a record-breaking eighth title at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
The 48-year-old, widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of the sport, made the announcement earlier today during a press conference, putting to rest weeks of speculation about his participation. O’Sullivan, who currently shares the record of seven world titles with Stephen Hendry, said he feels “motivated and excited” about the opportunity to stand alone at the top.
“I love the World Championship, and I love the Crucible,” O’Sullivan said. “It’s the ultimate test of a snooker player. I feel good mentally and physically, and I want to give it my best shot. To have the chance to make a bit of history is something that really drives me.”
O’Sullivan’s last World Championship triumph came in 2022 when he defeated Judd Trump 18–13 in a memorable final. Since then, he has continued to dominate the sport, winning major events and maintaining his position at the top of the world rankings. His form in recent months has been particularly impressive, picking up titles at the Masters and the Players Championship earlier this year.
The Rocket’s decision to compete is a major boost for the tournament, which will once again draw snooker fans from around the world. Organizers expect record viewership numbers, especially with O’Sullivan chasing a piece of history that seemed unbreakable during Hendry’s reign in the 1990s.
Speaking about his preparation, O’Sullivan added, “You have to respect the World Championship. It’s not just another tournament. I’ll be doing everything I can to be in the best shape possible. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and you have to be ready for every challenge.”
Reactions from the snooker world have been overwhelmingly positive. Former world champion Shaun Murphy called O’Sullivan’s decision “fantastic news for the sport,” while Hendry himself wished O’Sullivan “the best of luck” in his quest for number eight.
The 2025 World Snooker Championship kicks off on April 20 at the Crucible, with the final set to conclude on May 5. All eyes will be on Ronnie O’Sullivan as he looks to etch his name even deeper into snooker history.
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