Ronnie O’Sullivan says he would ‘definitely retire’ if snooker adopts darts-style walk-on music for players
Ronnie O’Sullivan on possibility of the World Snooker Championships moving from its 47-year home of the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield once its current deal expires in 2027: “It can move about – I don’t see no reason why it shouldn’t”
In an interview with talkSport, O’Sullivan was asked if snooker needs to follow darts’ lead in the hope of attracting a younger audience.
“Not having it,” O’Sullivan replied. “I’d probably definitely retire!
“I’d be like, ‘You know what? I’m out of here now’.”
While O’Sullivan admitted that snooker is struggling to attract a younger audience in the UK, he spoke again of his passion for growing the game in territories like China and Saudi Arabia where it is having more success in that space.
Chief Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol says there has been interest from Saudi Arabia to hold the prestigious Snooker World Championships as the contract will expire at The Crucible in 2027 despite being held at the same venue since 1977.
The Snooker World Championship’s contract with Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre ends in 2027
“In the UK, it is an older crowd, but in China and Saudi Arabia they have a very young crowd watching it, I don’t know why that is.
“I think it’s always been that in the UK, a lot of the older people just love snooker, but I don’t know why that is.
“I think when snooker is up against football and tennis and golf, when you’re a parent, you’re looking at, ‘What shall I get my kid involved in?’ Snooker is going to come really down at the bottom of the list I would imagine.”
O’Sullivan added: “I like playing in China and in Saudi Arabia.
“I would probably be spending more time playing in those events and doing exhibitions and stuff out there.
“I just like being out there, so any excuse to get me out there… I spend most of my time there as I can.”
O’Sullivan also again added his support to the possibility of the World Snooker Championship moving from the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield to China and Saudi Arabia.
Sky Sports' Cam Hogwood explains how the Snooker World Championship could be set to move from the tournament's iconic Crucible.
Sky Sports’ Cam Hogwood explains how the Snooker World Championship could be set to move from the tournament’s iconic Crucible
Snooker’s flagship event has been held at the 980-capacity Crucible theatre since 1977 but it could be on the move when the venue’s contract to host the
tournament runs out in 2027.
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