Snooker stars Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan have shifted their bases to Dubai over the last 18 months, seeking better lifestyles. Veteran player Jimmy White, a six-time world finalist, believes the relocation won’t hinder their on-table performances.
White’s Take on the Relocation
During a recent discussion, White addressed the moves by Trump and O’Sullivan, emphasizing that their new environment in Dubai should not disrupt their snooker focus. “I don’t think it’ll affect their snooker, those guys living in Dubai,” White stated. He highlighted Trump’s consistent high-level play and noted the quality facilities available in Dubai. Regarding O’Sullivan, White added that dedicated practice remains key. “If he’s going to win his eighth world title, he needs to play in tournaments to get matchplay,” White remarked.
Trump’s Reasons for Moving
Trump, who has a partner from Hong Kong, made it clear that tax avoidance played no role in his decision. “We can’t get away with tax. Everything earned in the UK is still taxed. So that’s not the reason,” he explained. Instead, Trump cited the appeal of Dubai’s climate for outdoor activities. “For me, the reason for going is I enjoy spending time outdoors, and I can’t really get that here in the UK anymore. I enjoy playing golf a lot in my downtime, and I brought some of my clubs to the UK Championship but was unable to play as it was too cold,” Trump said.
He also pointed to evolving trends in professional snooker, with more events held abroad. “I’ve always wanted to move to Dubai. I just felt like now is the time when the game is changing, really. Half the tournaments are abroad. I can imagine that there’s going to be a day where it’s actually beneficial to be in Dubai or wherever it is, rather than in the UK anymore,” Trump noted. He anticipated growth in international tournaments, including more in China following Zhao Xintong’s influence.
O’Sullivan’s Perspective
O’Sullivan, who married Laila Rouass last year, relocated partly to combat travel fatigue from frequent trips to the Middle East and China. “I work a lot in the Middle East and China and the jet lag, I could never get on top of it. That was a struggle,” he confessed. O’Sullivan emphasized the straightforward appeal of life in Dubai over luxury. “We’re not there for a boujie sort of lifestyle. I just like the simplicity of it there, the weather’s great,” he added.
White’s Admiration for O’Sullivan
White has long regarded O’Sullivan as the pinnacle of the sport. In a 2023 interview with Eurosport, he declared, “Ronnie O’Sullivan is for sure the GOAT. Greatest of all time. Seven world titles, seven UK titles, seven Masters titles, more than 1,200 centuries so far in his career. Why he’s so good is because he makes the game look so easy. That is why Ronnie O’Sullivan is the greatest of all time.”
White shared these insights after an exhibition match against Ken Doherty at the Masters event.
