50 YEARS OF RONNIE O'SULLIVAN
Half a century ago today, Ronald Antonio O'Sullivan was born in England.
No one could've foreseen at the time that he would become the greatest person to ever pick up a snooker cue, but fifty years later it's clear that he's the sport's best winner and its biggest character on and off the table. And still going strong!
His talent talks for itself and his achievements get enough praise already, but on a significant date like this I would like to pay tribute to the man himself.
He does divide opinions, Ronnie. And they say don't meet your idols, but I'm incredibly fortunate to have interacted a few times with my childhood hero and every single time he has been very nice to me. I am a snooker fan first, but I did grow up watching him, supporting him and getting a lot of joy from celebrating his victories. I chose the picture above for very good reason, too - it was when I first met him personally and had the chance to interview him during the 2022 World Championship, when he won his record-equalling seventh trophy at the Crucible.
There are the controversies, of course. Ronnie hasn't always been pleasing with opponents, journalists and fans, I understand that. I have also been disappointed many times with how he has spoken of the sport I love and I wish he wasn't so involved in the Saudi market. But I judge men for what I know of them, and not what I'm told. I'm a fan of Ronnie O'Sullivan the snooker player and lucky enough to befriend the man behind. In March I wrote this thread on Twitter talking about those interactions I had with Ronnie, which adds to my tribute to him.
And to still be doing what he's doing at this age is unbelievable and unprecedented. He's top 5 in the World and this year made the last four of the World Championships and lost the £500k Saudi Masters final in a narrow decider against Neil Robertson after making two maximum 147 breaks in one match against Chris Wakelin in the semifinals.
It is true that he hasn't won a title since the World Grand Prix in January 2024 (which was one of five titles he won that season, including two Triple Crowns'), but it is also true that he went a few months without playing before returning in Sheffield earlier this year.
He certainly has nothing to prove, but he's far from finished and still contending for big things.
And even though it's Ronnie's day, I think it's fair to mention his fellow Class of 92 players, Mark Williams and John Higgins, who are also 50 and still pretty much at the top of their own games, with both still being top 6 in the world.
Ronnie's greatness was written all along, but he was certainly pushed by Mark and John during their junior days and then during a 33 year-long career and counting. I am sure that every time one of them win something big it gives the belief for the other two to keep going. Who knows if he wouldn't have long retired if it wasn't for these great rivals? We should just enjoy them while they all still dedicate to the sport we love.
Happy Birthday, Ronnie O'Sullivan!
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN
Current World Ranking - 5
Highest World Ranking - 1 (first achieved in 2002, last achieved in 2024)
World Titles - 7 (tied Crucible record)
UK Titles - 8 (world record)
Masters Titles - 8 (world record)
Total Triple Crown - 23 (world record)
Ranking Titles - 41 (world record)
147 Breaks - 17 (world record)
Century Breaks - +1,300 (world record)
Youngest Winner of a Ranking / Triple Crown event - 1993 UK Championship at 17
Oldest World Champion in History - 2022 World Championship at 46
Fastest Ever 147 - 5:08 in the 1997 World Championship
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