Mark Williams Warns of Snooker Shock: “O’Sullivan Missing the Crucible Would Be a Huge Blow”

Mark Williams has expressed his hope that fellow multiple world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan will return to competitive snooker in time for the upcoming 49th World Championship in Sheffield. O’Sullivan, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, has not played in a ranking event since the UK Championship in November, raising concerns about his participation in the sport’s most prestigious tournament.

Williams, a three-time world champion, is preparing to defend his Tour Championship title in Manchester next week, where he faces Ding Junhui in the first round. However, his thoughts have also turned to the Crucible, where he hopes to make another deep run. Despite the anticipation surrounding the tournament, Williams fears that O’Sullivan may opt out, marking the first time in 33 years that he would miss the event.

“To be honest, if I had to guess now, I’d say he’s not going to play,” Williams told Metro. “I don’t know the situation, but he’s pulled out of recent tournaments, so it seems like he’s not ready or doesn’t want to play.”

O’Sullivan, who equaled Stephen Hendry’s record of seven world titles in 2022, has shown little inclination to chase an eighth title, despite the opportunity to claim a £500,000 prize. Williams believes that breaking Hendry’s record is not O’Sullivan’s main motivation.

“The media always talk about him wanting to surpass Hendry, but I don’t think he really cares about that,” Williams said.

O’Sullivan’s last appearance came in January at the Championship League, where he suffered a 3-2 defeat to Robert Milkins. He later withdrew from the Championship League and the Masters, citing personal reasons, and has been absent from the circuit since.

Williams emphasized the significant impact O’Sullivan’s absence would have on the sport. “It would be huge and disappointing for our game,” he said. “When he’s in a tournament, it’s a different atmosphere. The crowds, the buzz, the sponsors – everything is bigger. No one draws a crowd like he does.”

O’Sullivan has a long history at the Crucible, having first competed in 1993. He has won the world title in 2001, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020, and 2022. Williams recalled their past encounters, acknowledging O’Sullivan’s dominance, including their famous 2008 last-16 match where O’Sullivan completed a final-frame 147.

“If I had to pay to watch any snooker player, it would be him,” Williams added. “The way he plays, the shots he goes for, his charisma – everything about him makes him the biggest draw in the game. The money we play for now is largely because of him.”

The 49th World Championship will take place from April 19 to May 5, with qualifying rounds set between April 7 and 16 at the English Institute of Sport. The tournament will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and Discovery+.