Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan, who obtained Hong Kong residency last year through a talent scheme, “has not given up” on the city, the immigration chief has said, despite the newlywed seven-time world champion recently revealing plans to move to the Middle East.
Asked about O’Sullivan’s intentions after he confirmed two days ago that he had married actress Laila Rouass, Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung said on Sunday that he had been in touch with him and had stressed that Hong Kong’s door was still open to him.
“As far as I understand, a lot has been happening for him in the past few months, and it’s hard to say if his immigration plans will change,” Kwok said.
“However, he also hasn’t given up on Hong Kong. From what I know, he is expected to come to Hong Kong next month to attend the opening ceremony of his snooker club here.
“He really likes Hong Kong, so if there are things here that can entice him to stay, he might just choose Hong Kong as his place of residence.”
British media reported the 49-year-old snooker star was selling his £2 million house in Essex and planned to head off to the United Arab Emirates with his new wife.
