Snooker icon Jimmy White has shared his views on Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan’s recent relocations to Dubai. Both players have left the UK for the Middle East within the past 18 months, citing various personal and professional reasons for the change.

White’s Take on the Relocation

White, a six-time world finals participant, addressed whether the moves could impact their performance on the baize. He stated, “I don’t think it’ll affect their snooker, those guys living in Dubai.” White highlighted Judd Trump’s consistent high-level play and noted the quality facilities available in Dubai. Regarding O’Sullivan, he emphasized the need for match practice, saying, “Ronnie has been practicing hard. If he’s going to win his eighth world title, he needs to play in tournaments to get matchplay.”

Trump’s Reasons for Moving

Judd Trump, who has a girlfriend from Hong Kong, clarified that taxes were not the primary factor in his decision. He explained, “We can’t get away with tax. Everything (earned) in the UK is still taxed. So that’s not the reason.” Instead, Trump pointed to lifestyle benefits, particularly the opportunity to enjoy 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 also considered the evolving nature of 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.” He anticipated increased tournaments in China and other international locations, influenced by players like Zhao Xintong.

O’Sullivan’s Perspective

Ronnie O’Sullivan, who married Laila Rouass last year, cited travel challenges as a key motivator. He noted difficulties with jet lag 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.” O’Sullivan described the appeal of Dubai’s straightforward lifestyle and favorable climate. “We’re not there for a boujie sort of lifestyle. I just like the simplicity of it there, the weather’s great.”

White’s Praise for O’Sullivan

White has long regarded O’Sullivan as snooker’s greatest player. In a 2023 interview, 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.”