https://www.scmp.com/rss/521497/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Associated Press Associated Press Ronnie O’Sullivan keeps breaking records in snooker – now, at age 50, he has made the highest-ever break in the history of the professional game. The seven-time world champion cleared the table for a break of 153 in the first frame of his 5-0 win over Ryan Day at the World Open in China. The highest possible break is 155. The previous biggest break in competition was 148, made by Jamie Burnett in qualifying for the UK Championship in 2004. “I feel blessed to be able to achieve these things,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347317/ronnie-osullivan-makes-snooker-history-highest-ever-break-153-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347317/ronnie-osullivan-makes-snooker-history-highest-ever-break-153-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:07:42 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Zhao Xintong maintained his perfect finals record after edging past fellow Chinese Zhang Anda 10-6 to clinch the World Grand Prix title in Hong Kong on Sunday. The win marked Zhao’s fifth title – ranking and non-ranking – in as many final appearances since 2021, after his previous victories at the UK Championship, German Masters, World Snooker Championship and the Riyadh Season Player Championship. “I am very excited right now because it’s my first time playing in such a ranking tournament in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342848/zhao-xintong-wins-world-grand-prix-title-hong-kong-keep-finals-record-intact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342848/zhao-xintong-wins-world-grand-prix-title-hong-kong-keep-finals-record-intact?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:13:59 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Xiao Guodong said he was not happy with eliminating his idol Ronnie O’Sullivan after beating the seven-time world champion 5-3 to book a World Grand Prix quarter-final spot on Thursday. Breaks of 144 and 78 gave Xiao a 2-0 lead but O’Sullivan twice drew level to split the first six frames with the world No 10 from Chongqing. Two more 50-plus breaks from Xiao eventually sealed his back-to-back wins over O’Sullivan, after also beating the decorated Englishman at the Champions of Champions in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3342559/xiao-guodong-says-its-complicated-he-knocks-out-ronnie-osullivan-world-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3342559/xiao-guodong-says-its-complicated-he-knocks-out-ronnie-osullivan-world-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:19:41 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ronnie O’Sullivan said he was “not a good player anymore”, after the seven-time world champion overcame a slow start, and visible frustrations over his cue tip, to beat Joe O’Connor 5-3 on Wednesday and book a World Grand Prix second-round meeting with Xiao Guodong. Playing just his third match of the year, a subdued and scratchy O’Sullivan trailed his fellow Englishman 2-0 and 3-2, before locating a measure of fluency to win three straight frames and avoid the fate of defending champion Neil... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342399/ronnie-osullivan-not-good-player-anymore-wins-first-match-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342399/ronnie-osullivan-not-good-player-anymore-wins-first-match-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:51:01 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Ronnie O’Sullivan will make a rare competitive appearance in Hong Kong this week at the World Grand Prix, but how much more snooker he plays this season entirely depends on whether he feels like it. The Englishman is well-known for his mercurial approach to the game, and having skipped last year’s tournament at Kai Tak Arena, this will be his first official outing in the city since taking up Hong Kong residency in 2024. Fans might even consider themselves lucky, with the seven-time world... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342121/ronnie-osullivan-make-rare-hong-kong-appearance-plans-little-snooker-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342121/ronnie-osullivan-make-rare-hong-kong-appearance-plans-little-snooker-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:30:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Snooker in Hong Kong will have a home at Kai Tak Arena for the next four years, organisers of the World Grand Prix said on Friday, although whether Ronnie O’Sullivan makes an appearance is still in doubt. The mercurial Englishman skipped last year’s tournament in the city, and although he is on the list of the top 32 players expected to compete at Hong Kong’s newest venue, he has withdrawn from this week’s Masters on medical grounds. Still, the likes of defending champion Neil Robertson,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340170/world-snooker-grand-prix-will-have-kai-tak-home-until-2029-will-osullivan-ever-come?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340170/world-snooker-grand-prix-will-have-kai-tak-home-until-2029-will-osullivan-ever-come?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:32:25 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The New Year may have been a little low key as far as sport in Hong Kong is concerned, but 2026 is promising to be just as busy as the past 12 months. Along with major events such as the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, LIV Golf and the return of the World Table Tennis Finals, there is something for almost everyone in the coming year. And while there is still no word yet on whether the hugely successful Football Festival will be back again, here are some of the events we do know about so you can... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3338401/ice-hockey-sevens-heres-some-what-lies-ahead-hong-kong-sport-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3338401/ice-hockey-sevens-heres-some-what-lies-ahead-hong-kong-sport-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Jan 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong’s Security Bureau, police and customs have joined the government’s push to boost voter turnout in the coming Legislative Council election by releasing a series of lighthearted videos featuring top officials getting hair makeovers while using Cantonese puns to urge residents to vote. These clips play on the shared Cantonese pronunciation for “hair” and “law”, encouraging residents to prioritise voting over styling their hair. The campaigns feature Secretary for Security Chris Tang... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332393/hair-raising-hong-kongs-top-officials-style-cantonese-puns-poll-day-push?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332393/hair-raising-hong-kongs-top-officials-style-cantonese-puns-poll-day-push?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:09:02 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Ronnie O’Sullivan has returned to Hong Kong to attend the opening of a snooker club he co-funded in the city, in his first such move since being granted residency under a migrant scheme. And the seven-time world champion suggested at Wednesday’s ceremony that when he retires from snooker, he could set his sights on becoming the best in Chinese eight-ball pool. Speaking at the JJ8 Club in Kwun Tong, O’Sullivan said that he was looking forward to returning to the city as part of his tournament... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3319321/ronnie-osullivan-sets-sights-chinese-8-ball-pool-he-opens-snooker-club-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3319321/ronnie-osullivan-sets-sights-chinese-8-ball-pool-he-opens-snooker-club-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:00:32 +0000 Dong Lei Dong Lei For years, Hong Kong’s policy narrative has leaned heavily into national security. From the national security law to Article 23 legislation, the emphasis on stability and control has reshaped the city’s global identity. But with geopolitical tensions showing signs of stabilising, the moment is ripe for a strategic shift. The next global chapter isn’t just about containment and scarcity, it is also about creation and abundance. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms means... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3318435/hong-kongs-future-lies-being-finance-launch-pad-tomorrows-tech?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3318435/hong-kongs-future-lies-being-finance-launch-pad-tomorrows-tech?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Jul 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Table tennis world champion Wang Chuqin has given Chinese fans a boost after announcing his intention to play on until at least the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In a pre-recorded video interview with state media, Wang said he needed the target in three years to determine his “next direction” after that. And he reassured supporters that LA “would not be an end”, rather a point at which he would examine his future. The news was a much-needed jolt of optimism for Chinese table tennis after a poor day... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3317254/wang-chuqin-gives-china-fans-2028-la-olympics-boost-men-suffer-shock-losses-us-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3317254/wang-chuqin-gives-china-fans-2028-la-olympics-boost-men-suffer-shock-losses-us-event?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:30:09 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong denied entry to more than 12,000 visitors in the first five months of 2025, the immigration chief said on Sunday, stressing that the effort signalled his department’s firm stance on border control. Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung also said that the 12,452 visitors who were not allowed into Hong Kong represented about 0.062 per cent of the nearly 20 million inbound travellers recorded over the same period. “There are a few reasons – for example, we might suspect their... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3317132/hong-kong-rejected-12452-visitors-first-5-months-year-official?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3317132/hong-kong-rejected-12452-visitors-first-5-months-year-official?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Jul 2025 07:03:27 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Ronnie O’Sullivan has not necessarily abandoned plans to deepen his ties with Hong Kong by suggesting he may move to the Middle East, local snooker insiders have said. The seven-time world snooker champion obtained Hong Kong residency last October under the city’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, but this month said he may relocate to the Middle East from his long-term base in Essex, near London. “I might be back in six months,” the 49-year-old said. Noting that O’Sullivan had a snooker academy... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3310056/ronnie-osullivan-still-has-options-hong-kong-despite-middle-east-hint-sources-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3310056/ronnie-osullivan-still-has-options-hong-kong-despite-middle-east-hint-sources-say?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 May 2025 14:19:00 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Hong Kong’s immigration chief has said he is “not surprised” by the possibility snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan may relocate to the Middle East after the player obtained residency through a talent scheme last year. Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung’s comments on Sunday came after O’Sullivan indicated in an interview following his World Championship appearance that he might change his residency arrangement. Kwok acknowledged Hong Kong faced “stiff competition” when it came to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3309924/not-surprised-snooker-star-ronnie-osullivan-may-leave-hong-kong-senior-official?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3309924/not-surprised-snooker-star-ronnie-osullivan-may-leave-hong-kong-senior-official?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 May 2025 13:20:39 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse China’s Zhao Xintong and seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan were all-square after a gripping opening session of their World Snooker Championship semi-final on Thursday, while Hong Kong resident Judd Trump inched ahead in the other semi. O’Sullivan’s pedigree and experience on the big stage did not deter Zhao, who took a 2-0 lead and then finished impressively with a break of 86 to leave things level after the initial leg of their best-of-33 contest. Englishman O’Sullivan won three frames in a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308750/zhao-xintong-level-ronnie-osullivan-world-snooker-championship-semi-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308750/zhao-xintong-level-ronnie-osullivan-world-snooker-championship-semi-final?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 May 2025 01:27:43 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport China’s Zhao Xintong has set his sights on becoming the first amateur to win the World Snooker Championship after reaching the semi-finals for the first time. The 28-year-old on Thursday began his last-four clash with seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, having the previous day beaten Chris Wakelin 13-5 before O’Sullivan overcame Zhao’s compatriot Si Jiahui 13-9 in the quarter-finals. Zhao is having to play as an amateur as he returns to the sport after serving... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308632/chinas-zhao-xintong-first-world-championship-semi-final-face-ronnie-osullivan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308632/chinas-zhao-xintong-first-world-championship-semi-final-face-ronnie-osullivan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 May 2025 03:33:08 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from snooker’s World Grand Prix in Hong Kong only days before the tournament. Organisers received notification on Saturday that the seven-time world champion would not be travelling to the city, for health reasons. Hossein Vafaei, the world No 33, will replace O’Sullivan in the event at Kai Tak Arena, which will begin on Tuesday. “I am very disappointed not to be competing,” O’Sullivan said. “I had been eager to make my comeback in Hong Kong and have put in my... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3300693/ronnie-osullivan-withdraws-snooker-world-grand-prix-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3300693/ronnie-osullivan-withdraws-snooker-world-grand-prix-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Mar 2025 14:17:24 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan British snooker player Jack Lisowski hinted he could follow in the footsteps of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump and take up Hong Kong residency. The world No 22 was speaking after his 5-4 defeat to O’Sullivan at the Macau Masters on Wednesday in his only match at Wynn Palace. Lisowski said he would be open to calling Hong Kong his home under the city’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme as Trump and O’Sullivan have done in October and December, respectively. “Hong Kong is a really nice place, so... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3292583/third-british-snooker-player-eyes-hong-kong-residency-after-judd-trump-ronnie-osullivan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3292583/third-british-snooker-player-eyes-hong-kong-residency-after-judd-trump-ronnie-osullivan?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Dec 2024 09:00:11 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Ronnie O’Sullivan said he plans to open “many, many” snooker halls in Hong Kong and may yet make the city his home. The seven-time world champion took up Hong Kong residency in October, under the city’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme – under which world No 1 Judd Trump this week also took up residency. And O’Sullivan said that, once he is settled, he plans on making himself at home with plenty of facilities to work on his game in. “I haven’t really looked for [a place to practise] yet but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3292315/snooker-star-ronnie-osullivan-plans-open-many-many-practice-halls-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3292315/snooker-star-ronnie-osullivan-plans-open-many-many-practice-halls-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Dec 2024 09:00:14 +0000 Andrew Cesare Richardson Andrew Cesare Richardson Chinese snooker player Zhang Anda made a stunning maximum 147 break during his 6-3 triumph over compatriot Lei Peifan at the UK Championship on Tuesday, which was hailed as “perfect” by commentator Ronnie O’Sullivan. The 11th seed potted the 15 reds as well as the black 15 times and then all the colours in order before receiving a standing ovation from the York Barbican crowd. “This is my third time making a maximum and this time it just felt different as the UK Championship is a big event so... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3288284/snooker-legend-ronnie-osullivan-hails-chinese-players-perfect-147-maximum-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3288284/snooker-legend-ronnie-osullivan-hails-chinese-players-perfect-147-maximum-break?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Nov 2024 02:54:47 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer English snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan says he is “blown away” every time he visits China, a country he calls “the greatest place on Earth”. Days after taking up Hong Kong residency, the seven-time world champion is in Nanjing this week for the International Championship. A 6-2 win over He Guoqiang got him into the third round on Monday, before he suffered a shock defeat in the last 32 on Tuesday, losing 6-4 to rising Chinese star Pang Junxu. Widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3285293/ronnie-osullivan-continues-chinese-love-affair-says-country-greatest-place-earth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3285293/ronnie-osullivan-continues-chinese-love-affair-says-country-greatest-place-earth?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:30:09 +0000 Ng Kang-chung,Kahon Chan Ng Kang-chung,Kahon Chan The decision by English snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan to become a Hong Kong resident has been hailed by personal finance experts as a timely move that may spare him from looming tax status reform in the United Kingdom. But one expert said the seven-time champion would have to give up his UK citizenship to escape the full impact of the tax reform, which will also soon affect Hongkongers who have settled in the country using its bespoke citizenship pathway. O’Sullivan set foot in the financial... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3284959/hong-kong-move-snooker-star-ronnie-osullivan-could-spare-him-uk-tax-reform-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3284959/hong-kong-move-snooker-star-ronnie-osullivan-could-spare-him-uk-tax-reform-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Nov 2024 12:58:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial A series of aggressive recruitment drives by the government has enriched Hong Kong’s talent pool in recent years. The latest to take up residency is seven-time snooker world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan. But while the city continues to appeal to celebrities and their like, many more who have arrived are struggling to secure jobs. In addition to widening the search for talent, greater effort is also required to retain them. Describing Hong Kong as a “great place to live” in a video released by the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3284894/hong-kong-cannot-afford-lose-talent-it-wins-over-snooker-great-ronnie-osullivan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3284894/hong-kong-cannot-afford-lose-talent-it-wins-over-snooker-great-ronnie-osullivan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Nov 2024 22:00:14 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan English snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan and Hong Kong were “mutually attracted to each other”, the city’s labour minister said on Friday, as the city’s low tax regime appeared to be a deciding factor in the champion’s decision to move to the city. O’Sullivan took up residency through the “achievement” route of the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), saying he had considered making the move in the “last five or six years”. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said he understood... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3284874/english-snooker-star-ronnie-osullivan-and-hong-kong-mutually-attracted-minister-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3284874/english-snooker-star-ronnie-osullivan-and-hong-kong-mutually-attracted-minister-says?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:24:55 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong is one of the few places in the world that consistently put on ‘A grade’ tournaments, says Ronnie O’Sullivan, as he and several other players look ahead to the World Grand Prix in the city next year. O’Sullivan, who has become a Hong Kong resident under the city’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, said many of the world’s biggest events were in Asia, and “everybody loves coming here”. The prestigious World Grand Prix event in March will be held at the Kai Tak Sports Park, and marked... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3284768/macau-snooker-masters-region-best-hosts-says-new-hong-kong-resident-ronnie-osullivan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3284768/macau-snooker-masters-region-best-hosts-says-new-hong-kong-resident-ronnie-osullivan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:00:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Seven-time snooker world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan said “good food, good friends, and being somewhere I am happy” were the driving force behind his decision to take up Hong Kong residency under the city’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. Officials posted a video on social media on Thursday announcing the 48-year-old Englishman’s move, hours before he appeared at a press conference in Macau to publicise an exhibition tournament that will be held there over Christmas. Speaking to Director of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3284581/snooker-star-ronnie-osullivan-gets-hong-kong-residency-part-quality-migrant-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3284581/snooker-star-ronnie-osullivan-gets-hong-kong-residency-part-quality-migrant-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:01:52 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Ronnie O’Sullivan said some referees have “got it in for me” after his bid to capture a record eighth world snooker title was crushed by Stuart Bingham in the quarter-finals. Bingham, the 2015 champion, came through 13-10 and will face Welsh qualifier Jak Jones, who stunned former champion Judd Trump 13-9 in his last-eight encounter, for a place in the final. However, Bingham’s victory was overshadowed by a bizarre incident in the 12th frame involving O’Sullivan and referee Desislava... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3261130/ronnie-osullivan-out-world-championships-claims-referees-have-it-me-after-quarter-final-loss-stuart?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3261130/ronnie-osullivan-out-world-championships-claims-referees-have-it-me-after-quarter-final-loss-stuart?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 May 2024 03:46:40 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell Snooker’s world No 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan said he had no complaints with last month’s criticised exhibition event in Hong Kong, while China’s Ding Junhui expressed his interest in joining any future tournament in the city. The Hong Kong Snooker All-Star Challenge at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, which featured O’Sullivan and a host of other leading players, was marred by chaos that included fans paying HK$3,380 for top-level tickets that did not give them a view of the table. However, speaking during... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3260471/ronnie-osullivan-says-good-event-hong-kong-despite-ticket-fiasco-and-chinas-ding-junhui-wants-play?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3260471/ronnie-osullivan-says-good-event-hong-kong-despite-ticket-fiasco-and-chinas-ding-junhui-wants-play?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:30:18 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Snooker’s world No 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan said he felt more appreciated in Asia than in his native UK, as he looked forward to his return to Hong Kong early next year for the All-Star Challenge. The seven-time world champion, appearing in the city on Saturday to promote March’s event, paid his latest glowing tribute to Chinese tournaments, contrasting them with British equivalents that he said were often underwhelming. “Some of the tournaments in the UK don’t feel special,” O’Sullivan said. “So for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3246143/ronnie-osullivan-says-hes-more-appreciated-asia-he-eyes-hong-kong-snooker-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3246143/ronnie-osullivan-says-hes-more-appreciated-asia-he-eyes-hong-kong-snooker-event?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Dec 2023 00:00:09 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell Ronnie O’Sullivan has renewed his defence of snooker’s leading players for accepting invitations to lucrative events in China. The world No 1 had previously voiced support for five other players who were told by World Snooker Tour (WST) that travelling to an exhibition in Macau in October – which coincided with the global circuit’s Northern Ireland Open – would put them in breach of contract. Several players, including O’Sullivan, are also heading to the gambling hub at Christmas for the Wynn... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3243948/china-or-uk-snooker-champ-ronnie-osullivan-makes-clear-where-he-would-rather-play-tournaments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3243948/china-or-uk-snooker-champ-ronnie-osullivan-makes-clear-where-he-would-rather-play-tournaments?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Dec 2023 11:00:15 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell China’s Ding Junhui came up just short against Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final of snooker’s UK Championship, but his runner-up cheque has earned him another crack at the world No 1 as soon as next month. A 10-7 loss in York banked Ding £100,000 (US$127,000) in prize money, landing him in the world’s top 16 in time to qualify for the Masters – and a first-round encounter in London in early January with the seven-time world champion. Ding, 36, who said he had “really taken the crowd here to heart”,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3243713/ronnie-osullivan-becomes-oldest-uk-snooker-champion-beating-ding-claims-record-eighth-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3243713/ronnie-osullivan-becomes-oldest-uk-snooker-champion-beating-ding-claims-record-eighth-title?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Dec 2023 01:40:17 +0000 Reuters Reuters Seven-times world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has said he will quit snooker if he is prevented from playing in non-tour events in China. O’Sullivan, who has won 39 ranking tournaments and is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, has often clashed with the sport’s ruling body, the World Snooker Tour, during his career. He has withdrawn from several tournaments this year including the European Masters and British Open. He also announced he would not play in this month’s Champions of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3242511/snooker-great-ronnie-osullivan-threatens-quit-if-not-allowed-play-non-tour-events-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3242511/snooker-great-ronnie-osullivan-threatens-quit-if-not-allowed-play-non-tour-events-china?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Nov 2023 23:11:50 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell Ronnie O’Sullivan thanked snooker fans in China after he marked the resumption of international tournaments there by winning the Shanghai Masters for a fourth successive time. As the World Snooker Tour (WST) picked up where it had left off in the country before the pandemic, the world No 1 continued his love affair with its financial hub. He edged world No 2 and world champion Luca Brecel 11-9 in a closely fought final late on Sunday to keep intact an unbeaten record at the event that stands at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3234951/shanghai-masters-ronnie-osullivan-wowed-snookers-return-china-after-fourth-title-row?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3234951/shanghai-masters-ronnie-osullivan-wowed-snookers-return-china-after-fourth-title-row?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:02:33 +0000 Tom Bell,Mike Chan Tom Bell,Mike Chan Hong Kong’s snooker boss said greater backing was needed from the government for the city to host another high-level tournament, after Macau revealed it had lured the world’s best players for an exhibition event this Christmas. The announcement of the Wynn Presents 2023 Macau Snooker Masters, an eight-player invitational tournament, unveiled a stellar line-up including world No 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan and Hong Kong’s own Marco Fu Ka-chun. It contrasted with the absence of a planned repeat of last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3225972/macau-snooker-masters-ronnie-osullivan-and-marco-fu-among-stars-confirmed-tournament-christmas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3225972/macau-snooker-masters-ronnie-osullivan-and-marco-fu-among-stars-confirmed-tournament-christmas?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:50:22 +0000 Tom Bell,Chan Kin-wa Tom Bell,Chan Kin-wa The race to reach the Crucible is over, with five of China’s players having earned places in the main draw for this month’s World Snooker Championship despite the absence of its leading lights Zhao Xintong and Yan Bingtao because of match-fixing charges. A final round of preliminary matches on Tuesday and Wednesday – dubbed Judgment Day, even if there were two of them – decided who would progress to the tournament proper, which starts this Saturday in Sheffield. China’s Pang Junxu, Si Jiahui, Wu... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3216885/world-snooker-championship-4-chinese-players-reach-crucible-judgement-day-join-ding-main-draw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3216885/world-snooker-championship-4-chinese-players-reach-crucible-judgement-day-join-ding-main-draw?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Apr 2023 06:00:27 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse World champion Ronnie O’Sullivan said he felt he was suffering from “impostor syndrome” and did not want to play snooker right now despite easing into the last 16 of the UK Championship in York on Monday with a 6-2 win over Matthew Stevens. O’Sullivan is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in snooker history, with the 46-year-old Englishman winning a modern-day record-equalling seventh world title in May and triumphing at the Hong Kong Masters last month. But his career has also been... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3199662/snooker-world-champion-ronnie-osullivan-feels-impostor-despite-cruising-last-16-uk-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3199662/snooker-world-champion-ronnie-osullivan-feels-impostor-despite-cruising-last-16-uk-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:02:15 +0000 Tom Bell,Mark Agnew Tom Bell,Mark Agnew Ronnie O’Sullivan left Hong Kong this week with more than just HK$1 million in prize money from his win in the record-breaking Masters. He also had ambitions to pay a longer visit to the city after being won over by its running routes. The world No 1 is an avid runner, and took his jogging shoes to the harbourfront before venturing further afield, first to Braemar Hill and Sir Cecil’s Ride on Hong Kong Island, then to Sai Kung Country Park. He was still buzzing when asked about it by the Post,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/trail-running/article/3195878/ronnie-osullivans-strava-runs-show-he-explored-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/trail-running/article/3195878/ronnie-osullivans-strava-runs-show-he-explored-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Oct 2022 23:30:08 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell Ronnie O’Sullivan has declared the Hong Kong Masters to be the “new benchmark” in snooker and told organisers of British tournaments they should aim to replicate it. The seven-time and reigning world champion claimed the Hong Kong title on Sunday by defeating local star Marco Fu Ka-chun, but was equally keen to celebrate the statement made by Hong Kong and his sport. World-record crowds three days running at Hong Kong Coliseum, culminating in over 8,000 for Sunday’s final, created an atmosphere... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3195496/hong-kong-masters-ronnie-osullivan-says-it-changed-snooker-marco-fu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3195496/hong-kong-masters-ronnie-osullivan-says-it-changed-snooker-marco-fu?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:30:22 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell The final everyone had been hoping for may not have produced a champion from the realms of make-believe, but the bigger picture was still of a local triumph as the Hong Kong Masters reached a cacophonous climax on Sunday. There were to be no further miracles a day after Marco Fu Ka-chun reached baize perfection with a maximum break, world No 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan sweeping to a 6-4 success. Fu’s contribution, along with the colossal scale of the event, had nonetheless been sufficient to define an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3195364/hong-kong-masters-ronnie-osullivan-beats-marco-fu-claim-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3195364/hong-kong-masters-ronnie-osullivan-beats-marco-fu-claim-title?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Oct 2022 14:44:54 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell After the warm-up acts, the main event. Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ng On-yee got the Hong Kong Masters into full swing on Friday evening, drawing a crowd of over 5,000 to set the world record that had been forecast. O’Sullivan had begun the week tentatively trying beginner-level Cantonese at Ng’s direction in their hotel, but was far more assertive as he gave a snooker demonstration for the Hong Kong Coliseum to progress to a semi-final with Neil Robertson. If the previous day, with its sparser... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3195181/hong-kong-masters-mark-williams-makes-light-jet-lag-push-neil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3195181/hong-kong-masters-mark-williams-makes-light-jet-lag-push-neil?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Oct 2022 08:46:20 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Ronnie O’Sullivan plans to take a two-month break from snooker to let a “really bad” arm injury heal, and he is targeting October’s Hong Kong Masters for his comeback. Snooker officials confirmed the return of the tournament last month, with eight of the world’s best players to be invited in a move designed the show the city is “back for business”. Seven-time world champion O’Sullivan is one of the players who has been targeted by Vincent Law Wing-chung, chairman of the Hong Kong Billiard Sports... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3188837/ronnie-osullivan-targets-hong-kong-masters-return-really-bad-arm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3188837/ronnie-osullivan-targets-hong-kong-masters-return-really-bad-arm?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Aug 2022 06:14:40 +0000 Shirley Chui Shirley Chui Hong Kong snooker star Ng On-yee will take part in a new mixed doubles tournament featuring the sport’s biggest names ahead of her second season on the professional tour, which begins in mid-July. The world’s top four men – Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby, and Neil Robertson – and top four women – Reanne Evans, Ng, Nutcharut Wongharuthai, and Rebecca Kenna – will compete in the inaugural WST World Mixed Doubles over September 24-25 in Milton Keynes, England. “First in history and can’t... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3183837/hong-kongs-ng-yee-set-groundbreaking-mixed-doubles-snooker-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3183837/hong-kongs-ng-yee-set-groundbreaking-mixed-doubles-snooker-event?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Jul 2022 10:21:17 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan said Monday that China is primed to “monopolise” the sport and boasts three or four players who have recently emerged as potential world champions. Speaking during a trip to Singapore to mark the launch of his new snooker academy, the reigning seven-time world champion also predicted the game was set to grow rapidly in Asia. “China have done a really good job of, over the last 20 years, bringing a lot of young talent into the game,” said the 46-year-old... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3181544/ronnie-osullivan-says-china-pole-position-monopolise-snooker-he?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3181544/ronnie-osullivan-says-china-pole-position-monopolise-snooker-he?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:35:19 +0000 Shirley Chui Shirley Chui The elite of world snooker including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump and Mark Selby have been invited to play in Hong Kong this August – subject to the city’s government giving the all-clear. Organisers are seeking approval to stage the Hong Kong Masters from August 4 to 7, and have already sounded out the top players. Its feasibility and success could depend on Covid-19 prevention measures in Hong Kong, where tight travel restrictions remain in place and those playing indoor sport have been... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3177195/ronnie-osullivan-hong-kong-august-it-could-happen-if-government?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3177195/ronnie-osullivan-hong-kong-august-it-could-happen-if-government?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 May 2022 09:32:47 +0000