From BBC Sport · · 2m
O'Sullivan battles to stay in world's top 16
The seven-time world champion faces losing automatic World Championship entry unless he earns significant prize money in the next 18 months.
In brief
The seven-time world champion faces losing automatic World Championship entry unless he earns significant prize money in the next 18 months. Ronnie O'Sullivan, ranked 13th, risks dropping out of the automatic top 16 for the World Championship unless he wins substantial prize money before 2028. Originally reported by…
The unthinkable prospect
Ronnie O'Sullivan, 50, has been a near permanent fixture in the world's top 16 since turning professional in 1992. Now he faces a battle to maintain that place.
Where O'Sullivan stands now
The seven-time world champion is ranked 13th and fell in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open on Monday. He needs significant prize money to secure his top-16 position.
The eighth title quest
O'Sullivan is still seeking an eighth world title that would surpass Stephen Hendry's record. He has said he would prefer to retire rather than enter qualifying events.
The money gap
O'Sullivan has earned £513,750 at ranking events over two years. He is £99,350 ahead of Ali Carter in 16th place and £154,650 clear of Zhou Yuelong in 17th.
The Saudi Arabia problem
Over a third of O'Sullivan's winnings come from reaching the Saudi Arabia Masters final in August 2025, where he won £200,000.That money will drop out of the eligibility period soon after the 2027-28 season starts.
The tournament is gone
The Saudi Arabia Masters, which offered the highest prize money outside UK-based competitions, was abolished in April. O'Sullivan cannot replace those earnings with another run at the event.
Playing more tournaments
O'Sullivan might improve his chances by competing in more events, having operated on a reduced schedule in recent years. He has cited medical reasons and mental health needs for withdrawals.
His retirement line
O'Sullivan has given himself until 2028 to beat Hendry's record. He has said he would retire from snooker rather than compete in World Championship qualifying if he drops out of the top 16.
“I'm not going to play qualifiers. You won't be seeing me go down to Barnsley trying to win qualifying matches and all that sort of stuff.”
The end stage looms
Faced with fading powers and declining prize money, O'Sullivan may be entering the final stage of his career. His last ranking title came at the World Grand Prix in January 2024.
The bottom line
Ronnie O'Sullivan, ranked 13th, risks dropping out of the automatic top 16 for the World Championship unless he wins substantial prize money before 2028.
