Ronnie O’Sullivan is set to make a comeback at the upcoming German Masters in January after a hiatus of nine years from the tournament. Known as “The Rocket,” O’Sullivan, who last participated in the main stages in 2017, is now listed for the £550,000 prize event.
Since his last appearance in Berlin nine years ago, O’Sullivan has either not registered or withdrawn from the tournament. Although he signed up for the 2022 event, he was defeated 5-0 by Hossein Vafaei during the qualifying rounds in Cannock, preventing his journey to Germany.
The 50-year-old will kick off his campaign against Haris Tahir, Zhao Hanyang, or Long Zehuang. He is seeded among the top 16 players, with Ding Junhui being the only absentee from the draw, which has been revealed on the German Masters’ official website.
Scheduled to commence on January 26 at the Tempodrom in Berlin, the tournament will see Kyren Wilson defending his title after a thrilling 10-9 victory over Barry Hawkins in the previous year. Notable contenders like Judd Trump, Mark Selby, and others are also in the running for the championship.
O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, has a history of last-minute withdrawals from events, raising speculation about his appearance in 2026. In recent years, he withdrew from competitions like the British Open and the Wuhan Open citing health concerns and prioritizing mental well-being.
Currently ranked eighth globally, O’Sullivan, who relocated to Dubai after marrying actress Laila Rouass, expressed challenges with jet lag due to frequent work in the Middle East and China. He remains focused on regaining his form and appreciates the support from fans despite his intermittent participation in tournaments.
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