An Open Letter from Ronnie O’Sullivan to Mark Selby, Fans, and the Entire Snooker Community
Dear Mark, Fans, and the Snooker Community,
I hope this letter finds you all well. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my career, my journey in snooker, and the amazing people I’ve encountered along the way, and I feel it’s the right moment to share some thoughts with you.
Mark, first and foremost, I want to acknowledge you as one of the best players the game has ever seen. Your skill, your consistency, your mental toughness—there are so many aspects of your game that I respect. You’ve always played with heart, and every match against you has been a real challenge, a test of will and ability. I have learned so much from competing against you, and I’m sure the fans have loved watching our battles over the years. You’ve earned every ounce of success, and you’ve proven time and time again why you are one of the greatest. The way you handle pressure, your tactical nous, and the way you grind out wins is truly something special.
I think it’s important to say that, as competitors, we all have different approaches to the game. In a way, we’re like artists with our own style and vision. We might not always agree, we might not always play the same way, but in the end, we are all pushing each other to reach new heights. I’ve always appreciated the way you respect the game and the people who are part of it. I think it’s essential for players to understand that snooker is a community, a family. And in that family, there’s a unique bond that forms between us all, whether we’re rivals or friends.
To the fans, I cannot thank you enough. You are the lifeblood of snooker. Your passion, your energy, and your unwavering support make everything worthwhile. It doesn’t matter where I play or what the outcome is, your encouragement is what makes this journey meaningful. I know there have been times when I’ve had my ups and downs, but it’s your belief in the sport and in us as players that has kept me going through everything. Without you, this game wouldn’t be what it is today.
I have been fortunate to play alongside so many talented individuals throughout my career. Each generation of snooker players brings something new to the table, and it’s that evolution of the sport that has kept it exciting for all of us, both players and fans. It’s been an honor to be part of this sport, and I’ve always tried to give my best on the table, no matter the occasion. But it’s also been a reminder that the snooker community is much bigger than any one player. It’s about the tradition, the stories, the moments, and the memories we create.
To the wider snooker community, I want to say thank you for your continuous support and for maintaining the integrity of the sport. I’ve had my disagreements with some of the decisions made throughout my career, but at the end of the day, the governing bodies, the promoters, and all the people behind the scenes work tirelessly to give us the platform to showcase our talents. And that’s something I will always appreciate.
I’ve been lucky enough to play at the highest level for many years, but it’s important to acknowledge that none of this would be possible without the fans, the players, the officials, and the people who keep this game running smoothly. I know that there will be new players emerging, new stars taking the spotlight, and the game will continue to evolve. But for me, it’s about leaving the sport in a better place than when I found it and passing on whatever I can to the next generation.
So, as I continue to play, I want to take this moment to thank you all. Thank you to Mark, my fellow players, the fans, the snooker officials, and the entire snooker community for the shared love of this game. I can’t predict what the future holds, but I know that snooker will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
With respect and gratitude,
Ronnie O’Sullivan
