Ronnie O'Sullivan could win two world titles in a month after agreement reached

could win two world titles in the space of a month in future years. The Rocket is one of the players now eligible to play on the World Seniors Snooker (WSS).

The WSS is (WST). As part of the separation, the seniors' tour will ditch a rule that prohibits certain players from competing. During the relationship between both tours, all players over the age of 40 could participate in seniors' events, unless they are ranked inside the top 64 in the world. That meant the likes of O'Sullivan, and were unable to play.

The WSS had been keen to abolish the rule for several years and will now allow all players over the age of 40 to play in seniors' competitions - regardless of their ranking. The separation will come into effect in May, following the end of the World Seniors Championship. Like the World Snooker Championship, that event also takes place at The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

It means that in future years, O'Sullivan can play in the World Championship before competing in the World Seniors Championship a week later. The 49-year-old could therefore win two world titles in the space of a few weeks.

A statement by the WSS read: "Following a request from World Seniors Snooker to include players currently inside the top 64 on the World Rankings, and attempts to negotiate these changes to allow WST and WSS to continue in partnership, a compromise was unable to be met.

"WSS is aware some tour players within the top 64, and over the age of 45, have approached WST to request permission to play in WSS Events. Also the WPBSA Players Board were supportive of the changes in the WST Tour players contract, which allow any third party promoter to invite any tour player irrespective of their ranking position, should also apply to WSS.

"WST extended the option to terminate the agreement which WSS have chosen to exercise. As a result, both parties have mutually agreed to an early termination of the Sanctioning Agreement, which will take effect on May 12, following the conclusion of the 2025 World Seniors Snooker Championship.

"WST and WSS remain committed to the sport of snooker and recognise the contributions of players at all levels. Both organisations sincerely appreciate the support of players, fans, and stakeholders and look forward to continuing to celebrate the rich history and future of the game."

O'Sullivan faces Ali Carter in the first round of the World Championship today. He is still trying to break a joint record of seven world titles, which he shares with Stephen Hendry.