Ronnie O'Sullivan Set for World Seniors Snooker Championship 2026 Return
Ronnie O'Sullivan is set for the world seniors snooker championship 2026 later this week, returning to The Crucible after reaching the last-16 of the 2026 World Snooker Championship. The seven-time world champion is expected to play in a field that Barry Hawkins says will also include Ali Carter, Stuart Bingham and Matthew Stevens.
O'Sullivan's Crucible Return
The move brings O'Sullivan back to the same stage after a gruelling possible 17 days at the proper World Championship. Hawkins said he was invited to promote the Seniors and would be getting a nice appearance fee, with the event offering less pressure and a bit of fun for him.
“It's unusual that Ronnie's playing in the Seniors, but I reckon he must be getting paid quite a lot of money to be there.” Hawkins said. “He's obviously been invited there to promote it, so I'm sure he'll be getting a nice appearance fee.”
Barry Hawkins On The Field
Hawkins also said the Seniors would suit O'Sullivan because there would be less pressure than at the World Championship, where he had just made the last-16. He added that O'Sullivan would be the favourite, pointing to the form he showed at the World Open.
“You'd have to put Ronnie as the favourite, especially in the sort of form he showed at the World Open.” Hawkins said. He also said, “It will just be a bit of fun for him, so maybe that's the reason why he's having it.”
Form, Money And Motivation
Hawkins did not see the Seniors as a signal that retirement was close. “I don't think he will be thinking about retirement.” he said. “I think Ronnie simply loves the game.”
He also said O'Sullivan moved to Dubai for tax reasons, and suggested that decision may have influenced how many events he has played in. For the Seniors, Hawkins said the table looks like it's got bigger pockets, a detail that suggests the format should be more forgiving than the main championship table.
For readers tracking O'Sullivan's schedule, the immediate change is simple: after his latest run at the Crucible, he is due back there again later this week for a different title chase. Hawkins' view is that the appearance fee, the lighter pressure and the shorter-term nature of the Seniors add up to a quick return that fits where O'Sullivan is now, rather than the start of a farewell.
