Ronnie O’Sullivan has been granted residency in Hong Kong after coming through a migrant scheme.
O’Sullivan has been a long-time lover of Hong Kong, which is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China.
It’s played home to several snooker tournaments, with O’Sullivan last competing in the former British colony in March.
Before that, The Rocket also featured at the 2022 Hong Kong Masters when the city was attempting to boost its international reputation following months of strict COVID-19 restrictions.
O’Sullivan was granted residency via a ‘Quality Migrant Admission Scheme’, with the snooker star citing the ‘low tax’ as one of the driving factors behind his decision.
Reacting to the news, O’Sullivan said: “I’ve spent a lot of time in Hong Kong. I’ve had many really nice trips here, got some good friends here, I enjoy my stay here.
“And obviously, snooker is very popular here as well… If you want to have a good life, you should come to Hong Kong.”
He added: “The (low) tax is also a good thing [for foreigners].”
Foreigners still have to pay income tax in Hong Kong, but the low rates are among the best in a developed economy.
Hong Kong immigration chief Benson Kwok said: “[Ronnie O’Sullivan became] a Hong Kong resident through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.”
O’Sullivan is a popular figure in Hong Kong and neighbouring China. The 48-year-old regularly posts social media snaps of his time in the Far East.
After winning the Hong Kong Masters two years ago, O’Sullivan wrote on Instagram: “Loved this week in Hong Kong. Such an amazing event with brilliant fans.
“Great place for some running too. Congrats to @marcofu147 who played some lovely snooker all week and a tough final. Look forward to being back next time.”
But fans of the seven-time world champion, both in East Asia and elsewhere, have been starved of O’Sullivan action for well over a month, as his hiatus from the sport continues.
O’Sullivan’s last competitive appearance at a snooker table came at the English Open when he crashed out of the competition in the first round.
The Englishman has withdrawn from several events since, most recently last week’s Northern Irish Open, citing medical concerns as the main reason.
Having blasted his performance after last month’s English Open defeat, O’Sullivan did flirt with retirement, suggesting he might not even bother with next year’s World Championship.
But he is expected back at the table next month, with O’Sullivan pencilled in to play Mink Nutcharut at the 2024 International Championship, which is being held in Nanjing, China.
