Ronnie O'Sullivan to commute from different country during World Snooker Championship

Jack Otway
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:15:43 +0000

Ronnie O'Sullivan will commute from Dublin to compete at this year's World Snooker Championship, with the snooker legend using the Irish capital as his base for tax purposes.

The prestigious tournament begins on Saturday at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, running through to 4 May.

Rather than staying in England, the 50-year-old will travel back and forth between Ireland and the UK throughout the competition.

O'Sullivan disclosed his Dublin arrangement following his triumph at the inaugural John Virgo Trophy, where he comprehensively defeated John Higgins in Sunday's final.

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The Rocket currently spends around three months annually in Ireland, having made it a regular residence over the past year.

The seven-time world champion secured his latest silverware with a commanding 6-0 whitewash against his Scottish rival at Goffs in Ireland.

O'Sullivan spoke warmly about his connection to the country after lifting the trophy.

"The crowd here was amazing. Any venue we play in Ireland, but especially here at Goffs, the atmosphere is electric. Amazing," he said.

"I mean I live here quite a lot now. I spend three months a year here. I've always loved coming to Ireland. It has always had a special place in my heart. But having lived here the last year or so, it's been great. I wouldn't have it any other way."

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O'Sullivan reflected on his recent resurgence after enduring a prolonged slump in form.

"I started playing alright a couple of weeks ago. For three years I have been very poor, pretty much every day," he explained.

"So I didn't think I'd ever have another day where I'd feel good. But the last month I've been feeling alright. So it was nice to feel comfortable at the table."

His renewed confidence arrives at an opportune moment, with snooker's most prestigious event just days away.

O'Sullivan heads to Sheffield level with Stephen Hendry on seven world titles, seeking to claim the record outright with an eighth Crucible crown.

The milestone has proved elusive in recent seasons despite his continued dominance elsewhere in the sport's major events, where he holds a record eight Masters and eight UK Championship titles.

Kyren Wilson claimed the 2024 world title, while last year saw Zhao Xintong become the first Chinese player to lift the trophy after defeating O'Sullivan at the semi-final stage.

However, the Rocket's vintage display in Ireland suggests he enters this year's championship in formidable shape as he pursues snooker history.