Jimmy White has voiced his concerns about Ronnie O’Sullivan’s match sharpness.
White was assessing O’Sullivan’s prospects for the upcoming 2025 World Championships, which will start in April and finish in May. O’Sullivan, who shares the record of seven World Championship titles with Stephen Hendry, is expected to make a return for the sport’s biggest event.
However, White expressed uncertainty over how well ‘The Rocket’ will perform. Speaking on Hendry’s Cue Tips YouTube channel, he said: “Well listen, he’d like to get to eight to beat your record, but you know, you’ve got to get your act together. You can’t keep not playing in competitions and then expect… Okay, he did have that year out and then come back and win it. But he still practices, he’s still playing all the time.
“I’m sitting on Eurosport sometimes and he says he hasn’t played, and the cameramen have just got the balls out for him for four hours. I think he will get it together for the Crucible for this year. Whether he’ll win it or not I don’t know.”
White also highlighted that O’Sullivan’s lack of competitive play could be a significant disadvantage, adding (via the Express): “I think he will prepare, but the problem I’ve got with him – he’s got no match (sharpness). He’s not sharp because he hasn’t played any matches.”
O’Sullivan has backed out of seven ranking tournaments this season, with the snooker sensation yet to hit the baize since his cue-snapping incident at the Championship League in January. The 49-year-old has taken a step back from several high-profile events including the Masters, the German Masters, the Welsh Open and the World Open as of late.
O’Sullivan explained his recent absences on social media earlier this month, saying that he’s been focusing on his health and wellbeing instead of playing. He candidly told fans: “I realise plenty of people who bought tickets to some recent snooker events will have been frustrated when I withdrew, so I just wanted to say sorry to those of you who’ve been disappointed with me having to pull out of those tournaments.
“I’ve been trying to prioritise my health and well-being, which sometimes means making last-minute decisions not to play. It’s never an easy decision and I hate letting people down. I’m doing what I can to get back to my best, and I’m grateful for all your support and understanding.”
With a record of seven World Championships, eight UK Championships, and 41 ranking titles under his belt, it’s no wonder O’Sullivan is revered as one of the best by fans and fellow players alike. Despite his recent hiatus, ‘The Rocket’ still holds the fourth spot in the official world rankings. The snooker community eagerly anticipates his comeback, with his next endeavour pencilled in against Si Jiahui at the World Grand Prix on March 4.
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