Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Vanishing Act—And the Comeback That Could Rewrite Snooker History
He smashed the cue, skipped the arenas, and left the sport gasping.
Was this the end of the Rocket—or the quiet before lift-off?
Now, whispers from practice rooms say he’s back at the table, eyes cold, arm loose, purpose sharpened.
If he walks into Sheffield, the Crucible won’t know what hit it.
3) Setting the Stage
For four months the seven-time world champion has been a rumor more than a rival. He pulled out of marquee events, apologized to fans, and admitted he’d run himself into the ground after a whirlwind of exhibitions. The tabloids muttered “retirement.” The faithful insisted “reset.” Meanwhile, broadcasters and insiders kept spotting him where it matters most: alone with a practice table, chasing a timing only he truly understands.
4) Early Game – Calm Before the Storm
The tour rolled on without its brightest star. Results came and went; trophies were lifted; TV graphics felt oddly dim. Ronnie’s ledger since New Year? Five closed-door matches, a broken cue, and a string of withdrawals that cost him form, rhythm, and a pile of prize money. Yet the absence only made the question louder: what does he still want?
5) Turning Point – Momentum Shifts
The whispers hardened into something else: intent. Tournament MC Phil Seymour relayed what many had seen—Ronnie’s practice hours are real. Pundits like Shaun Murphy and Stephen Hendry, men with skins in the game, drew the same line on the chalkboard: seven at the Worlds is a tie; eight is immortality. We’ve seen this film before—O’Sullivan vanishes, resets his head, strolls into Sheffield, and plays like he never left. The greatest trick the Rocket ever pulled was making time off look like a prelude.
6) Struggles & Drama
But the stakes are more human than heroic. Smashing a cue isn’t a brand moment; it’s a man at the end of his tether. Switching to a new one isn’t like picking a fresh racket—it’s tampering with muscle memory built over decades. Add travel fatigue, public scrutiny, and the pressure of being the sport’s sun, and you get the cocktail that empties calendars. He’s said it plainly: health first. That’s not weakness; that’s wisdom learned the hard way.
7) Closing the Show (if he walks out in Sheffield)
Picture the walk-on: the hush, the roar, the camera catching that familiar mix of mischief and menace. The early frames are feelers—two-rail safeties, a tester long red to corner. Then it lands: cue ball purring, reds vanishing in clusters, blacks re-spotted, and Ronnie’s chin settling into that quiet place only he visits. The opponent plays well and is still two behind. That’s the Rocket at speed: he doesn’t just win frames; he steals belief.
8) Why It Matters
Because eight changes everything. Hendry’s mountain—once untouchable—would be topped by the only climber reckless and gifted enough to sprint the final slope after a winter away. It would also say something larger to every fan who has juggled work, wellbeing, and the things they love: stepping back can be the bravest way to step forward.
9) Legacy & Final Thoughts
Whether he appears or not, the truth is fixed: Ronnie O’Sullivan raised the ceiling of what snooker can feel like. If he returns and wins, it will be the most Ronnie ending imaginable—chaos, silence, then genius. And if he doesn’t? The game still carries his fingerprints on every modern break. But here’s the bet seasoned watchers are making: if he shows up, he’s not there to make up the numbers. He’s there to change the numbers—seven into eight.
FULL VIDEO
Mark Selby shows true colours as he comments on Stephen Maguire ‘tragedy’
Mark Selby opened up about his true feelings on Stephen Maguire after edging their Welsh Open final 9-6, with the Scot pushing his opponent all the way in Llandudno
Mark Selby aired his true feelings on Stephen Maguire after winning the Welsh Open
Newly crowned Welsh Open-winner Mark Selby has dubbed it "a tragedy" that Stephen Maguire has been absent from ranking finals in recent years.
The north Wales decider marked Maguire's first ranked tournament final appearance since his 2020 Tour Championship victory. Despite being even after 12 frames on Sunday, 'On Fire' was eventually overhauled by a strong finish from his opponent.
Snooker star Selby, 41, savoured his second Welsh Open triumph and spoke of the "great memories" he has playing the event. But he also poured praise on Maguire, acknowledging the intense competition he provided throughout most of their battle.
"He's a class act, isn't he? Obviously for him to be struggling as much as he has for so long and not being in the back-end of tournaments... just an absolute tragedy, really," he told the WST (via the Daily Express). "It's great to see him back playing well [and] in the back-end of tournaments."
Selby also praised Maguire for a critical 71 clearance that levelled the match at six frames apiece, halting Selby's emerging dominance. But following that, the tide decidedly turned in Selby's favour.
After taking a swift 2-0 lead in the game, it was only in the final three frames that either player managed to open advantage of two frames or more. Selby couldn't hide his admiration for Maguire and praised his opponent while speaking to Eurosport.
"The thing about Stephen, it's great to see him back in finals again," he said. "Four years is way too long. He's a class act, and I'm one of his biggest fans. So, Steve, great to see you back playing well again, mate."
Maguire's quest for another ranking title remains unfulfilled, though reaching a final after almost five years suggests he's on track to overturn his luck. He can feel especially confident given his commendable display in Llandudno, reminding everyone he has what it takes to compete at the top.
Selby beat Maguire 9-6 to clinch the Welsh Open for the second time
On the flip side, Selby has reason to celebrate after bagging his second ranking trophy of the season, keeping alive the possibility of equalling his own personal best of three major titles in a single season. He hasn't managed that particular feat since the 2016/17 season.
Selby won't be getting much downtime, however, as he revealed he'll only have a single day at home before jetting off to China for the 2025 World Open in Yushan. Last year saw Judd Trump triumph over Ding Junhui to claim the title after the competition took a four-year hiatus, and now Selby has his sights set on winning the trophy for the first time.
