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<\/p>\nJUST IN: Snooker World Stunned as Stephen Hendry Drops Bombshell Retirement Claim on Ronnie O\u2019Sullivan After String of Withdrawals<\/p>\n
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Legendary snooker icon Stephen Hendry has delivered a shock retirement claim regarding fellow great Ronnie O\u2019Sullivan after a turbulent period marked by multiple tournament withdrawals and uncertainties over The Rocket\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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O\u2019Sullivan, 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 \u201cThe Rocket\u201d is approaching the twilight of his glittering career.<\/p>\n
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Amid this growing uncertainty, Hendry \u2014 whose own dominance defined snooker in the 1990s \u2014 spoke candidly on his Cue Tips podcast, expressing disbelief at O\u2019Sullivan\u2019s recent pattern of withdrawals and suggesting that retirement might be nearer than many expect. Observers say Hendry, widely regarded as one of the sport\u2019s true legends, appeared genuinely taken aback by O\u2019Sullivan\u2019s comments about lacking the hunger he once had.<\/p>\n
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In a candid exchange, O\u2019Sullivan acknowledged that if it weren\u2019t for his engagements in China and Saudi Arabia, he might \u201cnever pick up his cue again,\u201d openly confessing that the traditional competitive fire that sustained his career has dimmed over time. Such an admission \u2014 shocking from a man still capable of setting records \u2014 clearly struck a chord with Hendry.<\/p>\n
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Hendry\u2019s reaction was telling: the Scot, who retired from professional play in 2012, remarked that the snooker world would be poorer without O\u2019Sullivan and hinted that continued withdrawals could effectively signal the end of an era. The implication was stark \u2014 suggesting that if O\u2019Sullivan\u2019s heart isn\u2019t fully in the competitive grind, perhaps stepping away entirely might be the best course.<\/p>\n
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This claim comes against the backdrop of O\u2019Sullivan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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O\u2019Sullivan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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For snooker\u2019s global fanbase, this has ignited a fierce debate. Some argue O\u2019Sullivan is simply pacing himself at an age when most athletes retire, while others take Hendry\u2019s suggestion seriously \u2014 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\u2019Sullivan has.<\/p>\n
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Hendry\u2019s remarks have also sparked introspection among current players, many of whom have shared respect for O\u2019Sullivan\u2019s 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 \u2014 a sentiment reflected in O\u2019Sullivan\u2019s own recent statements.<\/p>\n
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As the snooker season heads toward the Crucible World Championship and beyond, all eyes will be on O\u2019Sullivan. Whether he silences retirement talk with a late-season resurgence or confirms Hendry\u2019s bold claim with a formal announcement, one thing is certain: the snooker world is watching history unfold.<\/p>\n
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