Ronnie O’Sullivan retirement verdict given by star who relocated family from UK like him | Other | Sport

Ronnie O’Sullivan could keep playing at the highest level for at least another decade, according to fellow snooker star Judd Trump. Both players recently ditched the UK to start new lives elsewhere, with The Rocket having moved to the Middle East. He has also gained citizenship in Hong Kong and will be based there for business and to promote snooker.

Trump has also secured Hong Kong residency while following O’Sullivan in moving to the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this year, the Bristol native revealed that he was transporting his practice tables to the Persian Gulf in a significant lifestyle shift. Trump is competing at this week’s Champion of Champions event, while O’Sullivan did not take part after failing to qualify.

Ahead of his semi-final meeting with Zhao Xintong, Trump spoke about the longevity of O’Sullivan and fellow veterans Mark Williams and John Higgins. He insisted that all three players could stretch their careers well into their sixties.

“I think in sport nowadays you’re seeing people do what you didn’t think was possible maybe 10 or 15 years ago,” said Trump.

“People’s careers are going on more and more. The standard that the guys play at, they’re good enough to compete for the next 10, 15 years. The way the rankings work, if they’re able to win a tournament, then they’re safe for the next two years.

“John’s just got to the final of the last tournament, Mark’s already won a tournament this season. I think I’d be disappointed if I couldn’t play to a good level at 50, but I think those guys will probably go to 60, quite comfortably.

“It’s just whether they want to keep playing at that age. It depends. See where the money is, and they’ll decide from there, I think.”

O’Sullivan has played in just four tournaments this season and did not play a competitive match for three months before last season’s World Snooker Championship.

Trump believes this approach has allowed The Rocket to keep going at the highest level, with the 36-year-old looking to adopt a similar plan over the coming years.

“I think you’ve got Ronnie and Mark Williams, I think John’s in a bit of a different category, whereas those two are a bit more laid back,” he said.

“I’m trying to take their kind of game plan where they’re starting to miss a few tournaments, and when they do go, they kind of enjoy it a bit more, rather than going through the motions.

“I think also that’s something that John’s learning. I think John’s started to miss a few more. Even at my age, I struggle to go to every event like I used to and get that motivation.

“I don’t want to get to the point where you’re just going through the motions when you get there. I want to keep that excitement and be happy around the table.”