Jimmy White Criticizes Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Lack of Preparation Ahead of 2025 World Championship

With the 2025 World Snooker Championship set to begin on April 19 at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has come under fire from fellow snooker legend and longtime friend Jimmy White.

O’Sullivan, who has been absent from competitive play since breaking his cue at the Champions League in January, has withdrawn from multiple major tournaments, including the Masters, German Masters, and Welsh Open. His extended absence has raised concerns about his preparation for the upcoming World Championship.

Speaking on Stephen Hendry’s YouTube channel, White did not hold back in his assessment of O’Sullivan’s approach, urging him to get serious if he wants to secure an eighth world title.

“He would like to get to eight [world championships], of course, he would,” White stated. “But I think you know you have to get your act together.”

White emphasized that while O’Sullivan continues to practice regularly, skipping competitive events could be detrimental to his form when he returns to the highest level.

“You can’t keep not playing in competitions and then expect [to win],” White added. “Okay, he did have that year out and came back and won it, but…”

Despite his criticism, White recently hinted that O’Sullivan was preparing to return to the circuit, and that prediction has proven accurate. O’Sullivan has now confirmed plans to make his comeback at the prestigious World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, marking his return to competitive play ahead of the Crucible showdown.

With his comeback now in motion, all eyes will be on O’Sullivan to see if he can regain top form and challenge for a record-breaking eighth world title.