JUST IN: Snooker World Stunned as Stephen Hendry Drops Bombshell Retirement Claim on Ronnie O’Sullivan After String of Withdrawals
Legendary snooker icon Stephen Hendry has delivered a shock retirement claim regarding fellow great Ronnie O’Sullivan after a turbulent period marked by multiple tournament withdrawals and uncertainties over The Rocket’s playing future. The seven-time world champion has been conspicuously absent from several key events this season for medical and personal reasons, fuelling doubts about his long-term commitment to the sport.
O’Sullivan, now 50 and still capable of brilliance, has pulled out of a slew of ranking events including the Masters, German Masters, World Open and World Grand Prix, citing health concerns and exhaustion as contributing factors. His sporadic appearances and selective scheduling have left fans and pundits alike questioning whether “The Rocket” is approaching the twilight of his glittering career.
Amid this growing uncertainty, Hendry — whose own dominance defined snooker in the 1990s — spoke candidly on his Cue Tips podcast, expressing disbelief at O’Sullivan’s recent pattern of withdrawals and suggesting that retirement might be nearer than many expect. Observers say Hendry, widely regarded as one of the sport’s true legends, appeared genuinely taken aback by O’Sullivan’s comments about lacking the hunger he once had.
In a candid exchange, O’Sullivan acknowledged that if it weren’t for his engagements in China and Saudi Arabia, he might “never pick up his cue again,” openly confessing that the traditional competitive fire that sustained his career has dimmed over time. Such an admission — shocking from a man still capable of setting records — clearly struck a chord with Hendry.
Hendry’s reaction was telling: the Scot, who retired from professional play in 2012, remarked that the snooker world would be poorer without O’Sullivan and hinted that continued withdrawals could effectively signal the end of an era. The implication was stark — suggesting that if O’Sullivan’s heart isn’t fully in the competitive grind, perhaps stepping away entirely might be the best course.
This claim comes against the backdrop of O’Sullivan’s increasingly selective approach to competition. After relocating from the UK to Dubai, with extensive commitments in Asia and the Middle East, he has prioritised exhibition and academy work as much as tournament play. While he continues to enjoy playing at times, his presence on the professional circuit has been noticeably reduced in recent months.
O’Sullivan’s recent form has been mixed: early exits like his first-round defeat at the UK Championship contrast with flashes of brilliance such as the multiple maximum breaks he produced during the 2025 season. Yet these moments have been interspersed with withdrawals and long gaps away from competition, making it hard to gauge his true competitive intentions.
For snooker’s global fanbase, this has ignited a fierce debate. Some argue O’Sullivan is simply pacing himself at an age when most athletes retire, while others take Hendry’s suggestion seriously — that the Rocket might be quietly preparing for life beyond professional snooker. After all, very few players have ever stood at the pinnacle of the game the way O’Sullivan has.
Hendry’s remarks have also sparked introspection among current players, many of whom have shared respect for O’Sullivan’s longevity but acknowledge the physical and mental toll of the tour. Snooker insiders note that even legends can reach a point where withdrawal is less about quitting and more about prioritising well-being — a sentiment reflected in O’Sullivan’s own recent statements.
As the snooker season heads toward the Crucible World Championship and beyond, all eyes will be on O’Sullivan. Whether he silences retirement talk with a late-season resurgence or confirms Hendry’s bold claim with a formal announcement, one thing is certain: the snooker world is watching history unfold.
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