Ronnie O'Sullivan's plan to retire after the World Snooker Championship in 2028 could be in jeopardy if he falls out of the top 16 in the global rankings. The snooker icon had set a deadline of the 2028 Worlds to win a record-breaking eighth title, which would put him one ahead of Stephen Hendry.
However, the 50-year-old stated he would not go through qualifying rounds to make it there. Speaking in July, O'Sullivan said: "Three years previous, I wasn't cueing well enough, so I feel like if I can find a bit of cueing find some form at Sheffield… if I don't do it this season or the next season, then it'll definitely never happen."
Recent Defeat Raises Concerns
This dream seems to be fading following a humbling defeat to world No. 64 Jiang Jun at the Shenzhen Open. He was beaten 5-2 in the second round, marking six defeats out of 10 so far this season.
With O'Sullivan now ranked 14th in the world, he is edging closer to falling out of the top-seeded players and losing automatic qualification for major tournaments. Should he drop out of the top 16, it would be likely that the Englishman would be bidding farewell to snooker earlier than initially planned.
O'Sullivan's Candid Reflection
O'Sullivan previously opened up about his change in form, admitting the "draining" aspect of still competing at 50. Last season, he explained: "I have to be realistic. I'm 50 now. I play for two hours and I need to lay down for two or three hours, and it's very hard for me to get going again."
"This game, alright you don't have to run around a football pitch, but mentally you have to concentrate and it's draining. When you're younger, you can just keep concentrating for hour upon hour, and not get tired, and have a break for an hour and go again."
"Now, I need to have a lay down. You see your grandparents, you see them sleeping in their chair, and you just get a little bit more tired as you get a bit older. So I have to be realistic about what is possible."
His future in the sport now hinges on maintaining his top-16 status, with the 2028 World Championship as his stated target.
