Ronnie O'Sullivan reflects on career struggles after Wuhan Open defeat

Ronnie O'Sullivan was defeated 6‑3 by China’s Chang Bingyu in the semi‑finals of the Wuhan Open, ending a streak of more than two years without a ranking‑event title. The seven‑time world champion said he does not want to retire yet, vowing to play for at least the next 18 months.

The 50‑year‑old Englishman was beaten by the 24‑year‑old Chinese player after a shaky start. O’Sullivan lost the first two frames, then levelled at 2‑2 before Chang won the next two to lead 4‑2. O’Sullivan managed one frame before a 69‑point break and a 48‑point break sealed the victory for Chang, who will meet world number one Zhao Xintong in the final. Zhao won 6‑2 in his semi‑final against Xiao Guodong, after a 124‑point break that capped a four‑frame run.

O’Sullivan had earlier faced Mark Selby, the China Open winner, in the quarter‑finals. He won that match 5‑3, but the win was described by the veteran as a “cautionary” one. He admitted that his mental health has been a concern in recent years, having withdrawn from tournaments in the past and spoken publicly about depression and anxiety.

“The disease came back big time today,” O’Sullivan told reporters after the match. “If I’m honest I don’t think I will ever get over it.” He added, “I will see out the next 18 months and see how we go. I don’t want to throw the towel in just yet. I’ve committed to playing until then. I want to give myself a chance. I’d hate to finish my career on performances like that.”

O’Sullivan’s last ranking title was the 2024 Qatar Masters in January, and his form has dipped since. Despite the loss, he remains a top‑ten player and is scheduled to compete in upcoming events, including the World Championship later this year. His comments came at a time when the sport has increased focus on the mental well‑being of its players, with other top players also acknowledging the pressure of competition.

Chang, who achieved his first win over O’Sullivan in a ranking event, said, “Every time I play against Ronnie, it’s a pleasure. He probably wasn’t in the best form today, and I managed to take some of the opportunities that came my way.” His victory is part of a strong run for Chinese players in Wuhan, where the tournament has attracted top talent from around the world.

Zhao Xintong, the 2025 world champion, entered the final after a dominant semi‑final that saw him win the first two frames, drop to 2‑2, and then win four consecutive frames. He finished with a 124‑point break, the highest of the match, to secure a 6‑2 win over Xiao.

The Wuhan Open, part of the World Snooker Tour’s ranking calendar, will conclude with a final between Chang and Zhao. O’Sullivan’s performance has reignited discussions about the longevity of veteran players and the challenges they face as they balance ambition with health. While he has not yet announced retirement, his statement suggests he will continue to compete, hoping to end his career on a stronger note than his recent results.