Snooker icon Jimmy White has offered his candid assessment of fellow professionals Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan's significant lifestyle decision to relocate to Dubai. Both world-class players have made the move from the United Kingdom to the Middle Eastern emirate within the last eighteen months, each citing distinct personal and professional reasons for the change.
The Whirlwind's Perspective on Performance
White, a revered six-time World Championship finalist known as 'The Whirlwind', was recently questioned about whether such a substantial geographical shift could influence the snooker prowess of Trump and O'Sullivan. He expressed a firm belief that their high standards would remain unaffected.
"I don't think it'll affect their snooker, those guys living in Dubai," White commented confidently. "Judd Trump is performing to such a high standard. I know the facilities in Dubai are good and Ronnie has been practicing hard."
He did, however, note a crucial factor for O'Sullivan's continued success, particularly in pursuit of a historic eighth world title. "If he's going to win his eighth world title, he needs to play in tournaments to get matchplay," White added, highlighting the importance of competitive rhythm regardless of location.
Judd Trump's Sun-Seeking Motivation
For Judd Trump, the relocation appears deeply connected to lifestyle and climate preferences. The former world champion was keen to clarify that his decision was not primarily driven by financial considerations, such as potential tax benefits.
"We can't get away with tax. Everything earned in the UK is still taxed. So that's not the reason," Trump explained, dispelling a common assumption about sports stars moving abroad.
Instead, he emphasised a desire for an outdoor-oriented life that he feels is increasingly difficult to maintain in Britain. "For me, the reason for going is I enjoy spending time outdoors, and I can't really get that here in the UK anymore," he stated. Trump, an avid golfer, illustrated his point by recalling how he brought clubs to the UK Championship but was unable to play due to cold weather.
Trump also pointed to the evolving global landscape of professional snooker as a strategic factor. "Half the tournaments are abroad. I can imagine that there's going to be a day where it's actually beneficial to be in Dubai or wherever it is, rather than in the UK anymore," he mused, suggesting that a base in Dubai could offer logistical advantages for future tours, especially with anticipated growth in events in China and other international destinations.
Ronnie O'Sullivan's Jet Lag Solution
Ronnie O'Sullivan, often hailed as the sport's greatest ever player, has his own pragmatic reasons for the move. 'The Rocket', who married actress Laila Rouass last year, identified persistent jet lag as a major issue in his previous life based in the UK.
"I work a lot in the Middle East and China and the jet lag, I could never get on top of it. That was a struggle," O'Sullivan confessed, indicating that relocation to a more central global hub was a practical solution.
He was also quick to downplay any notion of moving for a lavish lifestyle. "We're not there for a boujie sort of lifestyle. I just like the simplicity of it there, the weather's great," O'Sullivan added, portraying the move as one seeking simplicity and favourable conditions.
White's Tribute to The Rocket
Jimmy White's comments come with a deep respect for O'Sullivan's achievements. In a 2023 interview with Eurosport, White unequivocally labelled his rival as the snooker GOAT – Greatest Of All Time.
"Ronnie O'Sullivan [is] for sure the GOAT," White declared. "Greatest of all time. Seven world titles, seven UK titles, seven Masters titles, more than 1,200 centuries so far in his career. Why he's so good is because he makes the game look so easy. That is why Ronnie O'Sullivan is the greatest of all time."
White shared these latest thoughts following an exhibition match against fellow veteran Ken Doherty at the Midnite Lounge, a luxury fan area during the recent Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace. The event itself featured innovative touches for spectators, including a sponsored shuttle service from the station, famously driven by Doherty himself, to ease access for attending fans.
The relocation of two of snooker's biggest stars marks a notable trend of elite athletes seeking bases that better suit their professional schedules and personal wellbeing. While Jimmy White sees no immediate threat to their on-table excellence, the long-term effects of this Dubai experiment on the careers of Trump and O'Sullivan will be watched with keen interest by the snooker world.
