Exclusive: Ronnie O’Sullivan Hints He’ll Skip the 2026 Masters in Favour of Dubai Life

Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan says moving to Dubai was the best decision he ever made for his mental wellbeing. 

The Rocket, who turns 50 next month, made the move in the summer with wife Laila Rouass following his World Championship semi-final humbling to Zhao Xintong. 

O’Sullivan was regularly making long flights from the UK to China and the Middle East for tournaments, lucrative exhibitions and work with his sponsors.

Being based in Dubai has made those journeys more manageable with the seven-time world champion not playing an event on UK shores so far this season.

O'Sullivan has regularly spoken about keeping his mind in check with running, working out in the gym, eating healthy and having renowned sports psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters in his corner. 

The world No.5 returns for a crack at a record-extending ninth UK Championship crown next week.

And speaking in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, O’Sullivan said: “It wears you down after a while. It’s the jet lag more than anything. You never really recover.” 

“I kept a diary and for about 90 days a year I was in like a zombie state. I put a lot of importance on feeling good, your wellbeing and being at your optimum level.” 

“It went against all of my principles and values. I knew I could never play my best if I wasn’t mentally and physically in tune.”

“Although I do all right I knew I wasn’t playing my best because it just wasn’t possible. I was so tired, I was smashed, I just wanted to go to sleep a lot of the time.” 

“As a player you want to feel ready to play. It’s really hard if you’re going back and forth especially if you’re doing well in tournaments.” 

“You have to try and manage it as well as you possibly can.”

Light Schedule Key

O’Sullivan has skipped the smaller UK-based events in recent years and has flirted with the idea of missing January’s Masters this season. 

“I’ll try and come back if I can,” added the Rocket. 

“There’s the flying involved, the expenses involved. It’s not a short flight.”

“Maybe next season I might play a few more [in the UK]. But this year I just want to settle in Dubai and play as many tournaments in China and Saudi Arabia as I can.” 

“I’d love to play the UK Championship and the Tour Championship if I can. Probably just be two tournaments this year in the UK before the World Championship.” 

“It’s hard with all the travel and all that. I’m not getting any younger so I have to prioritise.”

“The jet lag was killing me really so it made sense to move nearer. My trips there are a lot easier now so I’m happier. There’s no need to come back to the UK really.”

“The dogs love it. I was worried they wouldn’t like the sun but they go out there and chill in the sun. It’s fine for them, everything’s air conditioned so they’re comfortable.”

*Snooker 900 can be streamed live on Pluto TV