When is Ronnie O'Sullivan playing at the World Seniors Snooker Championship?

Tournament Schedule and Venue: Ronnie O’Sullivan’s first match is scheduled for the morning session on Friday , beginning at 12pm . This landmark debut will take place at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, the same venue where he has claimed a record-equalling seven regular world titles. First Opponent: As a seeded player, O'Sullivan enters the competition in the second round and will face the winner of a preliminary match. He is slated to play either 1997 World Champion Ken Doherty or Northern Ireland's Gerard Greene . Appeal of the Seniors Tour: The tournament has expanded to a 24-player field for 2026, featuring an elite lineup that includes Mark Williams and Stuart Bingham. O’Sullivan's participation has already driven record ticket sales, with organisers noting they sold more tickets before the event than for the entire tournament in the previous year. Motivation Beyond Glory: Despite his legendary status, Ronnie has been candid about the practical reasons for continuing to compete at this stage of his career. He recently said: "It’s work. Got to go to work. Got bills to pay. Got a lot of people on the payroll." A "Holiday" Approach to Play: O’Sullivan has shifted his mindset toward a more relaxed, selective schedule to maintain his longevity in the sport. He described his current approach by saying: "For most of the year it’s like a holiday; win or lose, it didn’t matter, but [the World Championship] was a different beast." Commitment to Sponsors and Fans: His decision to enter the Seniors event is partly influenced by his commercial obligations and his desire to remain active on the baize. He noted that "if my sponsors are on board then I’ll play," while emphasising he is grateful to still be enjoying his time at the table. Longevity and Career Extension: At 50 years old, 'The Rocket' is exploring new ways to extend his career beyond the gruelling demands of the professional ranking circuit. He has previously hinted at playing well into his next decade, stating: "I could probably play to my mid-50s if I wanted to." Media Coverage and Accessibility: Fans unable to attend the Crucible in person can watch Ronnie’s debut match live on Channel 5 in the UK. This broadcast ensures his attempt to add a World Seniors title to his unmatched resume will be accessible to a massive national audience. READ MORE: Ronnie O'Sullivan returns to Crucible immediately after Wu Yize wins World Snooker Championship