Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has responded to winning the World Seniors Championship with a classy message to his opponent. 'The Rocket' successfully lifted the trophy on his tournament debut at the Crucible, shortly after his last 16 exit at the World Snooker Championship. The 50-year-old clinched the veteran title after overcoming Joe Perry 10-4 in the final on Sunday.
O'Sullivan Shows True Colours
O'Sullivan sent a classy message to runner-up Perry after their showdown. The seven-time world champion confessed that Perry had been a tough opponent. 'Great to be back in the winners circle… another world title,' he wrote on social media. 'Amazing turnout from the fans. Joe Perry [is a] class act, should still be on tour.'
Perry retired from professional snooker last year and won the British Seniors Open in December, defeating Jimmy White in the final. However, he missed out on the £30,000 top prize at the World Seniors Championship. O'Sullivan defeated Ken Doherty, Peter Lines and Robert Milkins on his way to the final, achieving five century breaks in his match with Perry.
Snooker Star Seeks Move Away from UK
Hossein Vafaei appears to be the latest snooker player set to leave the UK. The 31-year-old has responded on social media after moving a step closer to relocating. 'Thanks to Hong Kong government for gifting me Hong Kong residency,' Vafaei posted on Instagram. The Iranian snooker player has been based in the UK since 2021, previously moving from County Durham to Sheffield.
He seems primed to join the growing list of snooker stars moving away from the UK. Judd Trump left for the United Arab Emirates last year and has since relocated to Bangkok. Following a similar path, O'Sullivan previously moved to Hong Kong via the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, though he currently lives in Dubai.
Neil Robertson on Hall of Fame
Snooker icon Neil Robertson has hit out at the criteria for the sport's Hall of Fame. The 44-year-old questioned the process following the announcement that Zhao Xintong and Mark Allen will be this year's inductees. Responding to a post on X, the 2010 world champion wrote: 'Many others including myself got in when we were in our 20/30's. Absolutely ridiculous when the real big-hitter sports have people with stellar careers get in when they are in their mid 40's or 50's.'
'It should be something that is earned through decades of work and reputation. Don't get me wrong I'm proud to be in it but it seems like a given if you have a half decent career, which it is not meant to be about that imo.' The World Snooker Tour created the Hall of Fame in 2011. Robertson was inducted in 2013, while Zhao and Allen are the 39th and 40th members of the select group.
