RONNIE O’SULLIVAN AIMS TO TRANSITION TO CHINESE EIGHT-BALL POOL AFTER SNOOKER
Legendary snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan has announced his intention to transition to Chinese eight-ball pool as he looks ahead to the next phase of his career. The seven-time World Snooker Champion, widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of the sport, revealed his plans in a recent interview, surprising fans and sparking major interest within the cue sports community.
At 48, O’Sullivan shows no signs of slowing down, having recently claimed his record-equalling seventh Masters title. However, he has increasingly spoken about his desire to explore new challenges and lessen the intense pressure that comes with professional snooker. Chinese eight-ball, a hybrid game that blends elements of traditional English pool and American-style eight-ball, has emerged as an exciting next step for the “Rocket.”
“I’ve been watching Chinese eight-ball for years now, and I think the time is right to give it a proper go,” O’Sullivan said. “It’s a growing sport, especially in China, and it’s something fresh. I’ve achieved a lot in snooker, but I want to see what I can do in this format.”
Chinese eight-ball is played on tables that are similar in size to snooker tables but use pool balls and a more challenging rule set. It has rapidly gained popularity in China, with high-profile tournaments offering significant prize money and growing global viewership. The World Chinese Eight-ball Masters, held annually in Qinhuangdao, has attracted international stars and is now considered one of the premier cue sports events globally.
O’Sullivan’s interest in the Chinese version of the game is not entirely new. He has previously visited China to observe and participate in exhibition matches and has openly praised the skill level of the top players in the circuit. By transitioning, he would join a list of former snooker professionals who have found a new competitive platform in Chinese eight-ball, such as Gareth Potts and Stephen Hendry.
His move is also likely to raise the sport’s profile even further, both in China and internationally. With O’Sullivan’s global fan base and charismatic personality, his involvement could help push Chinese eight-ball into the mainstream and attract sponsorship and television deals beyond Asia.
Experts believe that O’Sullivan’s vast experience and cue mastery make him well-equipped to adapt quickly. “Ronnie has the natural flair, the precision, and the mindset to make it work,” said former world champion Ken Doherty. “If he puts his mind to it, he could dominate Chinese eight-ball just as he did snooker.”
While O’Sullivan has not confirmed when he will fully retire from snooker, he has made it clear that Chinese eight-ball will be a key part of his future. He plans to train intensively in China over the coming year and may participate in major tournaments as early as next season.
As the snooker world watches closely, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s latest chapter could once again redefine the boundaries of cue sports, bridging traditions and creating new legacies in both hemispheres of the game.