Ronnie O'Sullivan will not compete at the Players Championship this week, as the snooker icon continues to embrace a lighter tournament schedule following his relocation to Dubai. Despite his physical absence from the green baize, the legacy of his intense disagreements with fellow professionals endures vividly in the sport's collective memory.
The Rocket's Reduced Presence in UK Snooker
As Ronnie O'Sullivan approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, opportunities to witness the 50-year-old maestro at UK ranking events have become increasingly scarce. He has not participated in any domestic competitions since the UK Championship in December, and after withdrawing from the Masters last month due to medical reasons, he will also miss the Players Championship in Telford. These absences, however, have not dimmed the recollection of his notorious clashes with other top players.
Stephen Hendry: The Three-Year Silent Treatment
One of the most memorable feuds involved snooker great Stephen Hendry, stemming from a dramatic incident at the 2006 UK Championship. During their match, with O'Sullivan trailing 4-1, he made a poor shot into the pack and abruptly conceded, shaking Hendry's hand and walking out mid-frame. This iconic moment led to a prolonged rift, with O'Sullivan revealing in 2010 that Hendry ignored him for three years afterward.
"After I walked last time Stephen - who is one of my heroes - fell out with me and didn't talk to me for about three years," O'Sullivan said. "But I love the guy, and he's the greatest snooker player of all time." Fortunately, the two legends eventually reconciled, and their friendship was showcased last year on Hendry's Cue Tips YouTube channel, where they humorously reflected on their past disagreement.
Shaun Murphy: An Unforgiven Incident from Youth
In contrast, Shaun Murphy has admitted that a childhood encounter with O'Sullivan left a lasting scar on their relationship. Speaking for the book Pots of Gold: A History of Snooker, Murphy recalled, "We fell out when I was young. Ronnie verbally abused me when I was 12 and I never forgave him. I vividly remember it." Despite this personal grievance, Murphy maintains immense respect for O'Sullivan's unparalleled snooker prowess, acknowledging, "His ability as a player is completely unmatched."
Darren Morgan: A Toilet-Side Confrontation
Another former player, Welsh ace Darren Morgan, clashed with O'Sullivan after retiring in 2006. Morgan once commented during a match that O'Sullivan was "like a child throwing his toys out the pram" when he conceded a frame by scattering the balls. This remark prompted a tense encounter in a Newport corridor, where O'Sullivan pulled Morgan into the toilets for a heated exchange. Morgan recounted, "He was strong with his words and I was strong back." The awkwardness eventually subsided, with O'Sullivan laughing it off afterward.
Ali Carter: An Arch-Rivalry with Public Spats
Perhaps O'Sullivan's most notorious rivalry is with Ali Carter, marked by multiple public disputes. Their friction began at the 2018 World Championship, where Carter knocked out O'Sullivan after an on-table shoulder-barge and exchanged heated words. Tensions flared again at the 2024 Masters, with Carter accusing O'Sullivan of "snotting all over the floor," leading to an X-rated press conference rant from O'Sullivan, who urged Carter to "sort his f***ing life out." Although Carter praised O'Sullivan as the greatest player ever at the 2025 World Snooker Championship, it was later revealed that they remain not on speaking terms.
As Ronnie O'Sullivan enjoys his time away from the competitive circuit, these feuds underscore the fiery personality that has both captivated and divided the snooker world, ensuring his legacy extends far beyond his trophy cabinet.
