Rocket Reloaded: O’Sullivan Returns as Welsh Open 2025 Ignites in Llandudno

The 2025 Welsh Open begins on Monday, 10 February, at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, with seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan making his highly anticipated return to competition. ‘The Rocket,’ a four-time Welsh Open winner, has been absent from recent tournaments, skipping the German Masters, the Masters, and the Championship League. However, he is set to make his comeback in the first round on Tuesday, facing Welsh player Jamie Clarke.

The tournament’s bottom half of the draw includes several top contenders, including Kyren Wilson, three-time world champion Mark Williams, and 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy. Meanwhile, defending champion Gary Wilson begins his title defense against India’s Ishpreet Singh Chadha.

For Welsh fans, the tournament holds special significance, with 10 homegrown players in the 64-man field. Williams, affectionately known as ‘The Welsh Potting Machine,’ remains the last Welshman to have won the event, claiming his second title in 1999 with a thrilling 9-8 victory over Stephen Hendry. The Scottish legend later avenged that loss in the 2003 final.

Additionally, amateur players Florian Nuessle, Joshua Cooper, and Dylan Emery have earned their spots in the main draw after successful qualifying campaigns.

The first-round matches take place over 10-11 February, with the tournament concluding on Sunday, 16 February, when the new champion will be crowned.