RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has been granted residency in Hong Kong – and he may move there full-time when his snooker career is over.
The Rocket, who has maybe another 4-5 years left in the pro sphere, spends a lot of time in Asia – where he is a huge celebrity – for ranking tournaments and lucrative exhibitions.
This week the Hong Kong Immigration Department awarded the seven-time world champion residency in the county under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
According to his camp, this change in status could result in more rights in the future as a citizen and hopefully make travel there much easier from the UK.
O’Sullivan, who turns 49 next month, said: “Obviously, I love Macau, Hong Kong, and China.
“All these countries (and regions) have been very, very good to me over the years, and I have a lot of love for these places.”
Speaking at a press conference for the Macau Snooker Masters – which opens on Christmas Day – the world No.5 disclosed he had initiated the residency application process several months ago.
He said: “I probably do about 70 per cent of my work in China and Asia now.
“I have to make a life here. I have to make a home.
“If you work a long time in a certain place you need to make it as comfortable as possible.”
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
O’Sullivan – who this year opened an academy in his name in Saudi Arabia following a multi-million pound deal – is looking to expand his brand across the globe, especially in gambling city Macau.
He said: “Hong Kong is just the start for me.
“I know some people in Hong Kong and they said: ‘We want to try and make this possible for you.’
“Maybe Macau will be the next one because obviously I have some friends in Macau that are saying it’s a good idea to do something in Macau as well.
“Now that I have the ID card, it will be much easier to come and stay for longer periods.
“The plan is to spend more time here, and then maybe in four, five, or six years, I’ll move here for good. I think snooker is a very popular sport in Asia.”
Early on Sunday, O’Sullivan faces 2022 women’s world champion Mink Nutcharut in a heldover qualifier in the International Championship in Nanjing.
November is a busy month for the famous potter because he is due to play in the Champion of Champions in Bolton and then there is the UK Championship in York.
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.
Check out all our latest Ronnie O’Sullivan articles.
