John Higgins Says Ronnie O'Sullivan Has 'Earned the Right' to Withdraw from World Championship at the Last Minute

John Higgins has praised Ronnie O'Sullivan for the right to make a last-minute decision on whether he will compete in this year’s World Snooker Championship. 

The legendary Scot, fresh off a dominant 10-3 victory over China’s Xiao Guodong at the 2025 Tour Championship, weighed in on the controversial topic after O’Sullivan’s recent admission that he may leave his participation until the very last moment.

Higgins, who opened his 2025 Tour Championship campaign with a confident win, was pleased with his performance. He stormed through the second session with a string of impressive breaks, including a tournament-high 137. 

Despite his opponent’s struggles, Higgins was in high spirits after sealing his place in the semi-finals where he’ll face Barry Hawkins.

“It was good. He had a couple of chances but didn’t really take them. I played very well to get 9-3, and he didn’t get anything going really,” Higgins said, reflecting on the match. 

“Maybe he made a little bit easy for me, but I’m still happy with how I’m hitting the ball.”

It’s been a particularly satisfying run for Higgins, who has now defeated Xiao twice in the last two weeks. He also beat the Chinese player at the Players Championship in Telford, a victory that, according to Higgins, may still be weighing on Guodong’s mind.

“He played well at the start against me at the Players Championship, but he tailed off again a bit then. Maybe that still lingered in his mind and went into this game,” Higgins noted.

O’Sullivan’s Controversial Admission 

But the conversation took an interesting turn when we asked the four-time World Champion about O’Sullivan’s recent comments regarding his World Championship participation. 

O'Sullivan, who has hinted that he might not commit to the event until the very last minute, has caused waves in the snooker world. The 41-time ranking event winner admitted to TNT Sports that he hasn’t yet decided if he’ll compete in Sheffield, with his decision potentially coming as late as the 17th or 18th of April.

"I don't know yet," O'Sullivan said. "I haven't made my mind up; I'll probably make a decision on maybe the 17th or 18th of April."

"I'd love to be able to go there and play, I'd love to be able to have the confidence to be able to get my cue out and go and play snooker,” O’Sullivan added. 

“I just need to give myself as much time as possible to see where I'm at with it and see whether it's something I'm going to be able to do."

O'Sullivan’s late decision could have a significant impact on the tournament, especially if he pulls out after qualification has begun. 

If the Rocket withdraws, the player set to face him in the first round would automatically receive a bye into the next stage. 

This scenario has sparked controversy across the snooker community, but Higgins stands firm in his support for O’Sullivan’s right to choose his fate.

“Obviously, nobody really knows. It’s been a well-kept secret,” Higgins said. “With how he’s feeling, who knows if he’s going to turn up or not, it’s going to be his decision."

Higgins, who has known O'Sullivan for years, understands the pressure and personal struggles that come with the game at the highest level. For him, the decision is simple: O’Sullivan has earned the freedom to make it on his own terms.

“He’s earned that right, hasn’t he? So, we just have to wait and see,” Higgins told SportsBoom.com. 

While O’Sullivan’s decision has created a stir, Higgins remains resolute in his belief that his rival should be allowed to choose his path, regardless of the timing or consequences. 

It’s a reflection of the respect O’Sullivan has earned in the sport, a legacy that even the greatest of his peers fully acknowledge.