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Snooker latest: Ronnie O'Sullivan makes thoughts clear as star set to leave UK for good
Reach Daily Express | May 11, 2026 9:40 PM CST

Snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan has spoken out following his victory at the World Seniors Championship. 'The Rocket' successfully claimed the trophy on his first appearance at the tournament.

O'Sullivan entered the competition at the Crucible shortly after his last 16 exit at the World Snooker Championship. The 50-year-old secured the veterans' title after defeating Joe Perry in Sunday's final.

Meanwhile, Neil Robertson has shared his stance on the sport's Hall of Fame, while Hossein Vafaei appears set to leave the UK. Here, Express Sport rounds up some of the biggest talking points in snooker.

Ronnie O'Sullivan shows true colours

O'Sullivan delivered a gracious message to runner-up Perry following their World Seniors Championship clash. The seven-time world champion triumphed 10-4 but acknowledged that Perry had been a formidable 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 stepped away from professional snooker last year and claimed the British Seniors Open in December, triumphing over Jimmy White in the final. However, he fell short of the £30,000 top prize at the World Seniors Championship.

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O'Sullivan saw off Ken Doherty, Peter Lines and Robert Milkins on his route to the final. He completed five century breaks during his match against Perry.

Snooker star set to move away from UK

Hossein Vafaei appears to be the latest snooker star poised to leave the UK. The 31-year-old took to social media after edging closer to making the move.

"Thanks to Hong Kong government for gifting me Hong Kong residency," Vafaei posted on Instagram. The Iranian potter has been based in the UK since 2021, having previously relocated from County Durham to Sheffield.

Yet he now looks set to join the ever-growing list of snooker professionals uprooting from the UK. Judd Trump left for the United Arab Emirates last year before subsequently moving on to Bangkok.

Similar to Vafaei, O'Sullivan previously obtained Hong Kong residency through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. The snooker legend currently calls Dubai home.

Neil Robertson on Hall of Fame

Snooker great Neil Robertson has slammed the selection criteria for the sport's Hall of Fame. The 44-year-old has called the process into question following the announcement that Zhao Xintong and Mark Allen are to 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 established the Hall of Fame back in 2011. Robertson received his induction in 2013, while Zhao and Allen represent the 39th and 40th members of this exclusive group.


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