Ronnie O’Sullivan is set to make snooker history this May by attempting something no player has ever achieved – winning both the World Championship and the World Seniors title in the same week at the Crucible.
The seven-time world champion, who celebrated his 50th birthday in December, has confirmed he’ll be making his debut at the seniors event, which kicks off on 6 May – just two days after the main tournament wraps up.
It’s a stunning decision from the Rocket, who remains ranked 11th in the world despite scaling back his tournament appearances this season.
O’Sullivan will be chasing a record-breaking eighth world crown before turning his attention to the seniors competition.
Ronnie O’Sullivan is set to try win both the World Championship and World Seniors title in the same week
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PAThe seniors event has undergone a significant shake-up to its eligibility criteria, with players aged 45 and over who sit inside the world’s top 64 now permitted to enter.
This rule change has attracted a seriously impressive field of active professionals.
Fellow legend Mark Williams will be joining O’Sullivan in Sheffield, along with 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham, former Masters and UK champion Matthew Stevens, and two-time ranking event winner Robert Milkins.
It’s brilliant news for fans who’ll get to see some of the sport’s biggest names competing in what promises to be the strongest seniors lineup ever assembled.
World Seniors Snooker Tour chairman Jason Francis couldn’t contain his excitement about landing the sport’s biggest draw.
“The most commercially valuable player the sport has ever seen will make his seniors debut at the Crucible in May in an attempt to add another world title to his CV – wow!” Francis said.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has struggled for consistency in recent times
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PAThe tournament organisers are already feeling the O’Sullivan effect on their bottom line.
Ticket sales have already surpassed the total figures from last year’s entire event, and Francis expects demand to climb even higher now that the Rocket’s participation has been officially announced.
The seniors field reads like a who’s who of snooker royalty.
Jimmy White has four senior titles to his name
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GETTYJimmy White, the most successful player in the event’s history with four titles to his name, will be looking to add to his collection.
Defending champion Alfie Burden returns to protect his crown, while 12-time women’s world champion Reanne Evans adds another dimension to the competition.
Ireland’s Ken Doherty, the 1997 world champion, is also in the draw alongside current Seniors British Open champion Joe Perry and the ever-entertaining Tony Drago.
The tournament runs from 6-10 May in Sheffield and will be broadcast live on Channel 5.
