Snooker World on Edge as O’Sullivan’s Comeback Hangs by a Thread

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s eagerly awaited return to the Crucible for the 2025 World Snooker Championship faces uncertainty, as his first-round showdown against long-time rival Ali Carter hangs in the balance due to Carter’s severe neck injury. O’Sullivan, known as ‘The Rocket,’ is seeking an unprecedented eighth world title, and his participation has generated significant buzz in the snooker world, especially after months of speculation about whether he would compete following a period of self-confessed lack of confidence and a break from competitive play since January.
O’Sullivan confirmed his commitment in an interview with TNT Sports, stating, “I’m proud to continue my record of having never missed a World Championship.” He added, “I have many fond memories at The Crucible and look forward to making more in 2025. I’ve enjoyed some good prep with my (new!) cue over the last week so feel good ahead of Tuesday.” The draw against Carter reignites a storied rivalry, with their history marked by both physical and verbal clashes, including a shoulder barge incident in 2018 and a heated exchange after last year’s Masters final, where O’Sullivan told Carter to “sort his fing life out” and called him “a fing nightmare.” In recent months, O’Sullivan has expressed regret over his outburst, acknowledging, “It’s just heat of the moment stuff. Do I regret saying it? Probably.”
Carter, a two-time World Championship finalist, is now battling a debilitating neck problem that threatens his participation. When asked about facing O’Sullivan, Carter simply replied, “No comment.” Describing his ordeal, Carter said, “I really couldn’t tell you how it happened. It just came on to the extent where I literally had a coffee one morning. I literally couldn’t move my neck at all. I couldn’t do anything. It impacts my sleep. It’s terrible. I have hardly slept for three days.” He compared the pain to “someone giving you a Chinese burn but on your neck,” and added, “Honestly, as you all know, I have been through a lot in my life, this pain was the most excruciating pain I have ever felt. My mate drove me to the qualifiers and every time we went over a bump, I was going Aaargh!”
Carter admitted he had low expectations for this year’s championship, saying, “I had already written this World Championship off to be honest with you. It is amazing, when you take the pressure off yourself what can happen. Last year I put all the pressure on myself and I played like a muppet there. We will just see what happens.” The O’Sullivan-Carter rivalry has consistently drawn attention, with their matches often described as grudge encounters, and this latest chapter comes as O’Sullivan, now seeded fifth and ranked world number five, looks to extend his record of consecutive Crucible appearances.
The World Snooker Championship remains one of the sport’s most prestigious events, drawing millions of viewers globally. O’Sullivan, at 49, continues to defy expectations, and his presence at the Crucible is seen as vital for the profile and excitement of the tournament. As the snooker world waits to see if Carter can recover in time, all eyes remain on whether this high-stakes clash will go ahead as scheduled, adding another layer of drama to an already compelling narrative. O’Sullivan’s resilience and Carter’s determination to overcome adversity underscore the enduring appeal and unpredictability of the sport at its highest level.