Barry Hawkins has suggested that Ronnie O’Sullivan could one day appear in World Championship qualifying, highlighting the seven-time champion’s natural desire to keep playing regardless of the stage.
The reigning Welsh Open champion made the comments in an interview with an online betting platform, 247Bet, where he reflected on the lasting impact of snooker’s ‘Class of 92’, O’Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams, who continue to compete at the top level deep into their careers.
Hawkins believes their longevity is driven by more than rankings or titles, pointing instead to a genuine passion for the sport that still defines their approach.
Love for the game could outweigh the qualifying challenge
The World Championship qualifying rounds remain one of the toughest tests in professional snooker. Players must win multiple matches under sustained pressure to reach the Crucible Theatre.
Hawkins acknowledged the demands of that route, especially for players who have already achieved so much in the game.
“It’s hard to go through the qualifiers, especially now. At this stage of their careers, I’m not so sure if they’d still be up for it,” he said.
Despite that, he believes the trio’s connection to snooker could still draw them back into the challenge if needed.
“If push came to shove, I think they probably would go through it, because they just love playing. I think that their love for the game is enough for them to take the challenge on.”
Past experience shows it is possible
Hawkins pointed to Mark Williams as proof that even the most established players are prepared to fight through qualifying when circumstances require it.
“I remember a few years ago, Mark Williams dropped right down the rankings, and he put himself through it. So, he’s someone who has already put himself through it before.”
That example underlines how even former world champions can return to the longer route back to the Crucible, driven by competitiveness and resilience.
The improved structure of the qualifying tournament also adds to its appeal.
“But the setup for World Championship qualifying is really good. It feels like a big event in itself. It’s not like you’re playing in front of nobody, because they do get good crowds, and the atmosphere is still pretty decent.”
O’Sullivan’s approach makes anything possible
O’Sullivan’s unpredictable nature remains a key factor in Hawkins’ thinking. His tournament choices have often reflected personal motivation rather than expectation.
“Ronnie’s a funny one. Sometimes he plays in the most random events because he just wants to play and fancies a game. So it wouldn’t surprise me if he turned up and played in World Championship qualifying, because sometimes he just loves playing.”
Hawkins suggested that this mindset sets O’Sullivan apart from many of his peers, making traditional logic less relevant in predicting his next move.
“It’s not always about the event as such with Ronnie. It’s just because he wants to play at that time. So there’s no rhyme or reason with Ronnie, really.”
Class of 92 could still target Crucible return
While the idea of the trio entering qualifying may not be immediate, Hawkins believes it remains a realistic possibility in the coming years. Their continued presence at the top level has already challenged stereotypes.
“So yeah, I can’t see why Ronnie [O’Sullivan], Mark [Williams], and John [Higgins] wouldn’t have a go at it just to get back to the Crucible. Although it won’t be for a few years yet.”
However, he does not expect a long-term commitment to that path.
“They wouldn’t put themselves through it year upon year, but they would give qualifying one or two goes, and then if nothing was happening after that, then that would probably be it for them, I think.”
2026 qualifying draw sets the stage
The discussion comes as the draw for the 2026 World Championship qualifying rounds was confirmed on 1 April.
A total of 128 players will compete for the final 16 places at the Crucible, including former world champions Luca Brecel and Stuart Bingham.
As competition intensifies for those limited spots, Hawkins’ comments offer insight into how even the sport’s most decorated figures could still find themselves taking the longer route back to snooker’s biggest stage, driven not by necessity alone, but by a lasting connection to the game.
