Ronnie O’Sullivan Crashes Out of World Snooker Championship, Record Wait Continues
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s bid for a record-breaking eighth World Snooker Championship title came to an abrupt end after a shock defeat at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The world number one and pre-tournament favourite was knocked out in the quarter-finals, dashing hopes of surpassing Stephen Hendry’s record of seven world titles.
O’Sullivan, 48, struggled for consistency throughout the match and was ultimately outplayed by his opponent, who displayed remarkable composure and tactical discipline. Despite flashes of brilliance, O’Sullivan failed to find his rhythm in crucial frames, leading to a rare and disappointing early exit from the tournament.
The result means O’Sullivan must wait at least another year to try and claim the outright record for most World Championship titles in the modern era. His last triumph came in 2022, tying Hendry’s total that had stood unchallenged since 1999.
Speaking after the match, O’Sullivan admitted he was “disappointed but philosophical,” acknowledging that his opponent “deserved the win” and that “some days, it just doesn’t click.” Known for his mercurial talent and candid demeanor, O’Sullivan also hinted at possible changes to his schedule in the future but stopped short of any retirement talk.
The shock exit sent ripples through the snooker world, with fans and pundits alike expressing surprise at the outcome. Many had tipped O’Sullivan to go all the way given his form earlier in the season.
With the tournament now wide open, attention turns to the remaining contenders, while snooker’s greatest ever player regroups. For now, the elusive eighth title remains just out of reach — a reminder of how even legends must bow to the pressure and unpredictability of the Crucible stage.
