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RONNIE O’SULLIVAN expresses his enthusiasm for his new life in Dubai, particularly cherishing his recent marriage.
The snooker star has made two significant lifestyle adjustments this year, both enhancing his personal happiness.
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This June, O’Sullivan married his longtime partner Laila Rouass, an actress who previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing, in a private ceremony in East London.
The marriage was kept under wraps until he revealed the happy news on Instagram, sharing a wedding photo and announcing: “We finally made it official!! Mr & Mrs O’Sullivan.”
They then made the move to the UAE, which provides a more efficient commute for events in China and his snooker academy located in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking about the advantages of relocating to sunnier climates, O’Sullivan, 49, told SunSport: “It’s fantastic. I have access to a fantastic practice facility, which was a major deciding factor for us.
“Finding a location for practice was challenging; I had the option of taking a train to Sheffield or moving there.
“But my wife wasn’t keen on Sheffield. She recommended we explore Spain or Dubai.
“I felt Dubai was closer to China, being in the Middle East.
“All my tournaments and commitments are centered there; hence, moving to Dubai made sense.
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“I’m truly enjoying my time there. The gyms are exceptional, and I love that aspect.
“I already had friends in Dubai who played snooker and assisted me in adapting to the lifestyle.
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“I’ve met some wonderful friends and have settled in quite well. So yes, it’s been fantastic.
“I’m not one to sunbathe, but I prefer warmth over cold weather, if that makes sense. Spring and autumn are my favorite times of the year.”
Like many newlyweds, getting used to saying ‘wife’ instead of girlfriend or fiancée has taken some getting used to.
O’Sullivan, who has three children from previous relationships, noted: “Everyone is a bit clearer about their roles now.
“It probably feels a bit more mature, I’d say. It takes some time.
“At first, I found it odd to use that term (wife), but now it feels perfectly normal. It’s nice. Everything is great, and everyone is happy, which is what matters most.”
Even though O’Sullivan has pulled out of three consecutive tournaments due to health issues, he plans to return to the baize for the Xi’an Grand Prix starting on October 7.
Meanwhile, he is backing the launch of Pluto Snooker 900, the world’s first dedicated 24/7 snooker channel, offering free on-demand content through Pluto TV.
The Snooker 900 format features 900 seconds (15 minutes) on the table, a 20-second shot clock, ball-in-hand for fouls, and a sudden-death blue-ball shootout for ties.
The channel will initially broadcast 18 hours of live snooker from Monday to Wednesday, beginning with a Legends Week on October 6.
This special week will highlight iconic figures like Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, John Parrott, Tony Drago, Joe Johnson, and Tony Knowles.
Over the next year, more than £600,000 in prize money has been allocated for amateur players.
Episodes of O’Sullivan’s acclaimed coaching series, The Rocket Method, will also be showcased.
O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, reminisced: “I recall filming the masterclass, and after three days on my feet for 12-13 hours, I could hardly walk.
“That was perhaps the hardest effort we’ve ever put in, as we needed to finish it all quickly.
“You’ll discover advice for every skill level, from beginner to advanced.
“I shared everything I could. It will be advantageous for any snooker or pool player, or anyone in cue sports aiming to improve their game. I included extensive detail.
“I hope this new channel sparks some snooker aspirations in young talents. It will be a bit of talent spotting.
“The 900 format sharpens the mind and allows participants to experience the pressure and nerves of competing on television.”
