Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed plans to pursue heyball, also known as Chinese 8-ball pool, after his eventual retirement from snooker. The 50-year-old, a seven-time world champion, made the announcement following an exhibition match in Hangzhou, China, where he competed against Zheng Yubo and Chu Bingjie.
Speaking after the 'Battle of the Century' event, O'Sullivan expressed his enthusiasm for the new sport. "I enjoyed the pool more than the snooker; it's a great game," he said. "This is going to be the future for me once snooker's finished." He added that playing with new equipment, including larger balls and a fatter cue, was a fresh challenge he hopes will lead to competing in major Chinese tournaments.
Despite his future ambitions, O'Sullivan's immediate focus is on the Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace, which begins this weekend. He faces Neil Robertson in the first round on Wednesday. The 2024 Masters winner has had a mixed season, reaching the Saudi Arabia Masters final but exiting early at the UK Championship.
The Masters, carrying a top prize of £350,000, kicks off on Sunday with defending champion Shaun Murphy taking on Wu Yize, followed by Mark Selby against Xiao Guodong. O'Sullivan, who holds the record for most Masters titles, is among the 16-player field after earlier hinting he might withdraw.
