O’Sullivan’s Quest for Eighth Crucible Title at 50

Ronnie O’Sullivan, the 50-year-old snooker legend, has advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 World Championship. In 2001, he secured his maiden World Snooker Championship title, a feat he now aims to replicate for a record-breaking eighth time. This milestone would surpass Stephen Hendry’s achievements in the 1990s, making O’Sullivan the only modern-era player to have claimed seven titles.

O’Sullivan already holds multiple records, such as being the oldest to win a Crucible final at 46 in 2022. Despite his advancing years, the player known as the Rocket continues to challenge himself. His recent performance at the World Open in China included a 153-break, the highest ever in professional snooker, following an unexpected snooker that gifted him a free ball. This shot functioned as an extra red, enabling him to dominate the tournament and reach its final.

“When I faced him in Yushan, he was sharp and the match quality was exceptional,” remarked Shaun Murphy, the 2005 world champion, after losing 5-3 in the last 16. “He hasn’t been at his peak this season, but when he’s in rhythm, he remains formidable. If he achieves eight titles, it would be a historic moment for snooker—and for him. It’s a narrative everyone wants to see, and it would be extraordinary.”

The 17-day World Championship begins on Saturday, with the final set for Sunday, 3 May. O’Sullivan, alongside world number one Judd Trump, is one of only two seeded players absent from the Crucible media day on Friday. His first-round clash against Chinese debutant He Guoqiang is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. However, the spotlight appears to be on Zhao Xintong, who has emerged as the top contender.

Zhao, the reigning champion and China’s first World Snooker title winner, has claimed four events this season, including three of the last five ranking tournaments. His commanding 10-3 victory over Trump in the Tour Championship final sent a clear message. “On form, Xintong is the favorite to retain his crown,” said Murphy. “He’s a player everyone admires and enjoys watching. This marks the first time in recent memory that O’Sullivan isn’t the top pick for the tournament.”

“I can still improve. Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, and all the top 16 players are better than me,” Zhao stated, acknowledging the pressure. “I’m not thinking about the Crucible Curse—everyone is discussing it, but I’m focused on myself. The challenge is real, and I’m ready to manage it.”

Zhao faces the so-called Crucible Curse, which has seen no first-time winners retain their title the following year. While he embraces the pressure, Zhao insists it stems from his own ambitions. Meanwhile, O’Sullivan’s presence in the tournament remains significant. He is the third-oldest competitor, trailing John Higgins and Mark Williams, both aged 50 and 51 respectively. “Ronnie looks in good shape and confident,” noted Higgins, a four-time champion. “He could be a key player this event.”

As the 2026 World Snooker Championship approaches, the stage is set for a clash between O’Sullivan and Zhao, with the former still chasing history and the latter vying to become the first Chinese winner. The tournament’s matches, top seeds, and BBC coverage will determine who claims the crown this year.