Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Ongoing Retirement Contemplation Sparks Questions: When is the Ideal Time to Exit Snooker, Asks Dave Hendon?

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Determining the ideal moment to leave a party—whether while still enjoying the high or long after the enjoyment has faded—has been a persistent dilemma for Ronnie O’Sullivan. This question is particularly challenging for him, given his extended periods of career dominance and his continuous search for an opportune exit.

O’Sullivan, now 48 and with 32 years in his professional career, has recently claimed victories in his last three tournaments: securing an eighth UK Championship, an eighth Masters title, and most recently, a comeback from a 4-0 deficit to beat Judd Trump 10-7 in the World Grand Prix. Despite being arguably at his peak, retirement speculations persist, fueled by his own remarks and the opinions within the snooker community.

Ken Doherty suggested last week that O’Sullivan might consider retiring after winning an eighth world title in May, an audacious exit at the pinnacle of his success. While such a scenario could be tempting, the question arises: if he can secure an eighth world title, why not strive for a ninth or even a tenth? This pursuit could solidify a legacy that might remain unparalleled for generations. Additionally, O’Sullivan might find himself missing the game as much as his legion of fans would miss him.

O’Sullivan’s history of retirement threats, dating back to his first proclamation after losing to Doherty in the 1994 UK Championship at the age of 18, has been constant and at times even comical. While initial reactions to defeat as a surly teenager can be forgiven, these retirement statements continued over three decades as he matured. Despite the repetitive nature of these declarations, fans remained intrigued, and the media reported each vow with a straight face. The question lingers: is he serious this time?

In 2012, it appeared that Ronnie O’Sullivan had finally followed through on his retirement talk, although he clarified that he would be taking a one-year break rather than permanently stepping away from the stage. However, during his time off, despite briefly working on a pig farm, O’Sullivan found himself drawn back to snooker, and by January 2013, he missed the circuit so much that he attended the Masters to watch Mark Selby and Graeme Dott compete, two old rivals.

Returning to competitive action a few months later, O’Sullivan, with his unique style and nerve, successfully defended his world title. Since then, he has maintained a busy schedule. The recurring question arises: why does he consistently contemplate retirement? One doesn’t need a psychology degree to understand O’Sullivan’s love-hate relationship with snooker. There are moments when the sport captivates him, such as in his semi-final victory over Ding Junhui, where he found the perfection he has long sought. However, there are other times when snooker brings him deep depression, and he feels uncomfortable, leading to a decline in his form.

The non-playing aspects of the sport—the media and fan interactions, external expectations, time demands, scrutiny, and judgments—have always been challenging for O’Sullivan to endure. It was noticeable how freely he played at the 2020 World Championship, held almost entirely behind closed doors due to Covid. With minimal external pressures, he secured his first Crucible crown in seven years. Two years later, he clinched a record-equalling seventh world title. Despite making history, his reaction was not one of joy but rather an emotional outpouring after a mentally grueling 17 days. Even after achieving such milestones, he still questioned why he continued to subject himself to the challenges of the sport.

There is no established guide for when a snooker player decides to retire. Unlike physical sports where the body often dictates retirement, snooker allows for longevity, though players commonly experience aches and pains from years spent bending over the table potting balls.

Many snooker players have contemplated retirement, often expressing such thoughts after a defeat. However, they typically reconsider, as their lives have been centered around the sport since childhood, leaving them with few alternatives. Ali Carter, a qualified pilot, could pursue a career in aviation, but the allure of competition keeps him engaged in snooker while he continues to perform at a high level.

Few players willingly step away from the game; instead, they are often forced to retire and may find themselves back in Q School attempting to restart their careers. Some retired players, such as Terry Griffiths and Stephen Hendry, transition to roles within snooker after leaving the top 16. Alan McManus, upon retirement in 2021, became a respected TV analyst, while Fergal O’Brien, facing relegation from the circuit, plans to retire at the end of the season and move into coaching, joining the Eurosport commentary team.

Notably, these retired players tend to remain connected to snooker, indicating a deep-seated attachment to the sport they know and love. Even those who pursue alternative careers, like Steve Davis becoming a musician and DJ, often maintain ties to snooker through punditry and event appearances.

While some players have briefly retired only to return, such as Stephen Hendry, others, like Jimmy White at 61, have no intentions of leaving the game. Ronnie O’Sullivan, currently the world No. 1, with four titles this season and minimal losses, is approaching £1 million in prize money for the term and continues to be a formidable presence on the tour. Given his current success and influence, the decision to retire would undoubtedly be a significant one.

Ultimately, time catches up with everyone, and there will be a moment when Ronnie O’Sullivan chooses to retire. While this decision may primarily involve stepping back from professional competition, he will likely continue to be involved in exhibition matches, media engagements, and ambassadorial roles where he can dictate his terms. Regardless of his active pursuit of titles, O’Sullivan will remain a significant figure in the sport, leaving a lasting impact.

For O’Sullivan, snooker serves as a foundational aspect of his identity. It not only defines him but also provides a means for making a livelihood, expressing himself, and finding fulfillment. Much like any enduring relationship, his connection with the sport has had its highs and lows, but he consistently returns to it because the initial passion and love he felt for it in his youth still resonate within him.

Even if he decides to step away from the professional circuit, O’Sullivan’s connection to snooker runs deep, and he is unlikely to distance himself completely. The sport holds a special place in his life, and even if he chooses to walk away, he won’t be straying too far from it.