Ronnie O’Sullivan, the undisputed king of the baize, is operating on a different schedule than his rivals, and a quiet season has raised questions about his current form and future impact on the sport.
While not entirely absent – eight tournaments played this campaign – O’Sullivan has strategically chosen his battles, opting out of more events than he’s entered. This selective approach, coupled with earlier-than-expected exits in major championships, has created a sense of normalcy amongst his competitors – a surprising shift in the snooker landscape.
A glimmer of the old brilliance surfaced at the Saudi Arabia Masters, where O’Sullivan reached the final, ultimately falling to Neil Robertson in a thrilling deciding frame. That tournament also showcased a breathtaking display of skill, featuring not one, but two maximum 147 breaks in a single match against Chris Wakelin – a moment of pure magic.
However, that Jeddah run remains an isolated peak in an otherwise subdued season. Recent tournaments, like the Players Championship and Welsh Open, saw him absent from the lineup, fueling speculation about his preparation and commitment.
World number one Judd Trump admits the tour has adjusted to O’Sullivan’s infrequent appearances. He suggests a period of rest might be beneficial, acknowledging a visible struggle with the Rocket’s game and even his equipment. Trump believes O’Sullivan is searching for the right feel, something noticeably absent from his recent performances.
“He’s been quite poor, to be honest,” Trump stated bluntly. “It’s better for him to take time out until he’s willing to put in the work. He’s struggling with his cue, making mistakes he never used to. He’s just not the same player.”
Trump points to a diminishing aura of invincibility. Opponents, once intimidated into submission by O’Sullivan’s mere presence, now appear more comfortable and competitive. The psychological advantage that once defined his game seems to be eroding with time and reduced match play.
Despite this, Trump remains cautious, acknowledging O’Sullivan’s capacity for explosive form. “Ronnie can turn it on at any point,” he concedes, “but he’s a little more vulnerable now. He used to crumble opponents just by showing up, but that doesn’t happen as much anymore.”
John Higgins echoes this sentiment, noting that O’Sullivan’s sporadic schedule has become the new normal. He encourages fans to savor every appearance, recognizing the inevitable shift as the champion navigates other priorities in his life.
“He’s not playing a lot now,” Higgins observed. “We all just enjoy him when he does appear. He’s got different things going on, and he can’t be around forever. Just enjoy him while he’s still playing.”
Mark Allen believes the game is at a crucial juncture. While acknowledging the excitement O’Sullivan brings to any event, he stresses the need for snooker to cultivate the next generation of stars as the seven-time world champion scales back his commitments.
“There’s no doubt there’s a better buzz when he’s involved,” Allen admitted. “I absolutely love playing him. But it’s up to WST and the media to really push the rest of the tour now. Ronnie doesn’t have a lot of years left, and we have to create the next superstar.”
Allen is critical of the disproportionate focus on O’Sullivan, arguing that it hinders the development of emerging talents. He believes a more balanced media approach is essential to elevate other deserving players and build a sustainable future for the sport.
“It’s still too reliant on Ronnie,” Allen stated with frustration. “It’s mind-boggling at times. I understand he’s the big name, but you’re not going to create the next Ronnie O’Sullivan if you don’t give others a chance. There are players doing well who aren’t getting the coverage they deserve.”
