Ronnie O'Sullivan Set for German Masters Snooker Comeback in Berlin
Snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan is poised to make his highly anticipated return to competitive play at the 2026 German Masters, following his recent withdrawal from the Masters tournament on medical grounds. The event will be held at the iconic Tempodrom in Berlin, with O'Sullivan scheduled to face world No. 54 Long Zehuang in a heldover qualifying match on Tuesday, January 27th.
O'Sullivan's Complicated History with the German Masters
This comeback marks a significant moment for The Rocket, who has maintained a notably selective schedule throughout the 2025/26 season. O'Sullivan has often skipped the trip to Germany in recent years, making his participation this time a special occasion for his expectant fans in Berlin. His lone victory at this tournament dates back to 2012, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his return.
His arrival in Berlin comes just weeks after he pulled out of the 2026 Masters at Alexandra Palace, citing unspecified medical reasons. That absence had raised concerns about his health and fitness, but his decision to compete now strongly suggests he has recovered and is ready to resume his snooker career.
Strategic Scheduling and Tournament Seeding
O'Sullivan has been vocal about his approach to "picking and choosing" events that align with his lifestyle, especially following his relocation to Dubai. This season, he has opted out of several tournaments, including the Wuhan Open and the British Open, focusing instead on competitions that suit his personal and professional priorities.
Despite his recent inactivity, O'Sullivan enters the German Masters as the No. 9 seed. This seeding is crucial, as it ensures his opening match was "held over" to be played at the main venue in front of the live Berlin crowd, rather than in the earlier qualifying rounds. This setup provides a thrilling spectacle for spectators and a high-stakes environment for the player.
The Tempodrom Atmosphere and Defending Champion
The German Masters is renowned for the Tempodrom's unique "circus tent" atmosphere and its massive crowd capacity, which often creates an electric setting for snooker matches. O'Sullivan's participation is expected to be a major boost for the event's organisers, drawing significant attention and viewership.
Currently, the trophy is held by Kyren Wilson, who enters this year's event as the defending champion. Wilson secured the 2025 title in a classic final, narrowly defeating Barry Hawkins 10–9. His presence adds to the competitive field, setting the stage for potential high-profile clashes.
Importance as a Warm-Up for the World Championship
This tournament serves as a vital warm-up and ranking-point opportunity as the snooker tour progresses toward the World Championship in April. A strong performance in Berlin would help O'Sullivan regain match sharpness after missing several weeks of competitive play, potentially bolstering his form and confidence ahead of the season's pinnacle event.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how O'Sullivan fares in his return, given his legendary status and the unpredictable nature of his recent schedule. His comeback not only highlights his enduring appeal but also underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of professional snooker.
