Ronnie O'Sullivan sets record straight on decision to leave the UK for new life abroad

Jack Otway
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:09:54 +0000

Ronnie O'Sullivan has firmly rejected suggestions that his relocation to Dubai was motivated by tax considerations.

The seven-time world champion, currently ranked 12th in the world, maintains his decision was purely about personal happiness.

"I've not moved away for any other reason than I'm happy where I'm living," O'Sullivan stated.

"I love being in Dubai and I love being in Ireland. I've not moved away for any reason. I just choose to come when I want to come."

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The 50-year-old now divides his time between properties in the UAE and Dublin, describing both as his homes. He also spends considerable time in China and Hong Kong.

The Rocket departed the UK for the Middle East last summer alongside his wife Laila Rouass, whom he wed in June. Since then, his appearances on British soil have been remarkably scarce.

Prior to the current World Championship at the Crucible, O'Sullivan had competed in just a single tournament in this country.

The snooker legend also skipped both the pre-tournament Champions' Dinner and Media Day.

However, the Chigwell-born player showed no signs of rustiness as he launched his bid for an unprecedented eighth world title.

He dispatched He Guoqiang with ruthless efficiency, securing a commanding 10-2 triumph in his opening match.

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O'Sullivan confirmed he would remain in Sheffield throughout the competition rather than travelling abroad.

The 50-year-old's pursuit of perfection throughout his illustrious career spanning more than three decades has taken a psychological toll over the years.

As the sport's most recognisable figure, he carries the weight of expectation alone.

The snooker icon admitted he sometimes envies athletes in team sports who can share the pressure with colleagues.

"Snooker, you just have to do it all by yourself," he explained.

"I wish I was a footballer or playing in the NFL or something where you can ask the boss if I could have a month off. Or please don't let me play against him because I don't like playing against him."

The player has previously withdrawn from events due to stage fright.

O'Sullivan reflected on the demanding nature of his career, drawing comparisons with boxing. He expressed frustration that some fighters receive carefully selected opponents while others face tougher paths.

"But my whole career has been like, you've got to be here this time, play that person. And I've had to play all the best players of different generations," he said.

"I respect boxers that do the hard path, because you think, OK, at least they're fighting the best out there."

The veteran acknowledged his career has followed that difficult route, adding: "I don't want too many more years of that."

On Saturday evening, O'Sullivan will face long-time rival John Higgins in the last 16, renewing a Crucible rivalry stretching back three decades.