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Ronnie O'Sullivan to skip qualifiers, retire outside top 16

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 10:23 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Ronnie O'Sullivan says he will skip World Championship qualifiers and retire if he falls out of the top 16.
He appeared in Belfast, his first UK ranking event outside the Triple Crown since the English Open in September 2024.
He aims to surpass Stephen Hendry's seven world titles by winning an eighth before retiring in 2028.
He has cited medical reasons and mental-health concerns for withdrawing from several recent tournaments.

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Story summary

Ronnie O'Sullivan says he will skip World Championship qualifiers and retire if he falls out of the top 16.
He appeared in Belfast, his first UK ranking event outside the Triple Crown since the English Open in September 2024.
He aims to surpass Stephen Hendry's seven world titles by winning an eighth before retiring in 2028.
He has cited medical reasons and mental-health concerns for withdrawing from several recent tournaments.