The Rocket’s Epic Return: Ronnie O’Sullivan Set to Launch Comeback at German Masters After Mysterious Illness
Ronnie O’Sullivan is gearing up for his return to competitive snooker next week at the prestigious German Masters in Berlin, marking his first appearance in nearly two months after being sidelined due to illness.
The seven-time world champion, often referred to as “The Rocket,” has not played since his surprising first-round loss to Zhou Yuelong at the UK Championship on 2 December in York. That defeat came just days before O’Sullivan’s 50th birthday, which would have made for a rather somber note in his otherwise stellar career.
During this period of absence, O’Sullivan faced health challenges that forced him to withdraw from the Masters at Alexandra Palace in January. Despite having been scheduled to face Neil Robertson in the opening round, the 50-year-old from Essex cited medical reasons for pulling out of the event. Sources close to O’Sullivan revealed that he was feeling physically drained and unable to return to top-level snooker following his battle with illness. In the days leading up to the Masters, O’Sullivan had been experiencing significant fatigue, which made competing at his usual elite standard impossible.
While recuperating, O’Sullivan had been spotted practicing with fellow professionals at an Irish pub, though reports suggested that his energy levels were still too low for a full tournament comeback. However, as his health continues to improve, the snooker icon is confident about his readiness to play in Berlin.
O’Sullivan, who now resides in Dubai, has been preparing for his return to the baize by honing his skills in Ireland. Now, with his condition improving, he is determined to compete in the German Masters, which will be held at Berlin’s renowned Tempodrom. The tournament offers not only vital ranking points but also a substantial £100,000 prize for the eventual champion, making it an important event in the 2026 snooker season.
Entering the tournament as the ninth seed, O’Sullivan will face Chinese player Long Zehuang in a heldover qualifying match. The winner of this encounter will then progress to a highly anticipated clash with Ali Carter in the first round proper.
Despite his absence from the sport, O’Sullivan remains one of the most talked-about figures in snooker, with a passionate fan base and occasional detractors. Social media user Andrew Neilly, for instance, criticized O’Sullivan’s withdrawal from the Masters, claiming it was all part of a strategy to keep himself in the spotlight. Neilly, and others like him, feel that O’Sullivan’s occasional absences and shifting focus—especially his time spent in China—detract from his connection to the sport that made him famous.
Regardless of the debate surrounding him, O’Sullivan’s return is set to be a highlight of the German Masters, where his talent, resilience, and experience will undoubtedly make him a contender for the title once again.
