Jimmy White speaks about Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan quitting UK
O’Sullivan and Trump live in the Middle East (Image: Getty)
Snooker legend Jimmy White has made his feelings clear on Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan relocating to Dubai. The pair have both swapped the UK for the Middle East in the last 18 months and made it clear why they’ve done so.
Part of the reason for O’Sullivan was the struggle with jet lag, with Trump revealed he gets to spend more time outdoors in the sun when he’s in Dubai. White, who made six world finals as a player, was recently asked about their moves and whether it could affect their snooker.
“I don’t think it’ll affect their snooker, those guys living in Dubai,” White said. “Judd Trump is performing to such a high standard. I know the facilities in Dubai are good and Ronnie has been practicing hard. If he’s going to win his eighth world title, he needs to play in tournaments to get matchplay.”
Speaking about his decision to leave the UK behind, Trump – who has a girlfriend from Hong Kong – said it wasn’t solely about tax. “We can’t get away with tax. Everything (earned) in the UK is still taxed. So that’s not the reason,” said Trump.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
“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.
Jimmy White praised the facilities in Dubai (Image: Getty)
“So there’s a few reasons. 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. That’s what I feel. Obviously because of Zhao Xintong, there’s going to be more tournaments in China in the future and abroad.”
For O’Sullivan, who married Laila Rouass last year, he had slightly different reasons for moving away. The Rocket said: “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 continued: “We’re not there for a boujie sort of lifestyle. I just like the simplicity of it there, the weather’s great.”
White once named O’Sullivan as snooker’s greatest player. “Ronnie O’Sullivan [is] for sure the GOAT,” he told Eurosport in 2023. “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.”
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Ken Doherty helped drive the Midnite shuttle at Alexandra Palace (Image: Midnite)
Midnite, who sponsored the 2026 Masters, unveiled the Midnite Shuttle on ahead of the final, transporting fans from Alexandra Palace Station to the main entrance, saving them the arduous walk up the hill.
Driven by Ken Doherty, fans gainedaccess by showing the Midnite app on their mobile devices.
Jimmy White was speaking following his exhibition match vs Ken Doherty at the Midnite Lounge, a luxury area open to all fans who attended the Masters.
