Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has refused to confirm whether he will participate in this year’s World Snooker Championship, which begins on April 19.
The seven-time world champion has not played on the World Snooker Tour since January, taking time away from the sport with which he has a complicated relationship.
O’Sullivan, 49, could potentially surpass Stephen Hendry’s Crucible-era record if he competes and wins this year.
His recent form struggles have led to uncertainty about his appearance at the prestigious tournament.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has refused to confirm or deny whether he will appear at the World Championship
TNTSPORTS
In his only appearance this year, O’Sullivan lost four of his five matches in the Championship League before snapping his cue in frustration and withdrawing from his final game.
He subsequently dropped out of several major tournaments including the Masters, German Masters, Welsh Open and World Grand Prix.
O’Sullivan cited a mixture of exhaustion and medical reasons for these withdrawals, apologising to disappointed spectators.
His form has deteriorated to such an extent that he has been unable to practice, expressing significant concerns about his game.
Speaking to TNT Sports, O’Sullivan revealed how his past World Championship victories took a devastating physical toll.
“Last time I won it in 2012, 2013, I got up Monday morning and I could do it again, ‘That was easy,'” he said.
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“When I won it in 2020, I woke up on Monday morning and felt alright. But then for 10 days, I just couldn’t even think straight.”
He experienced similar effects after his 2022 triumph, attributing it to age, admitting: “I felt like my body had been battered.”
O’Sullivan declared he would give himself “as much time as possible” before making a decision on his World Championship participation.
“I don’t know yet. I haven’t made my mind up,” he told TNT Sports, with the tournament starting on April 19. “I’ll probably make a decision on maybe April 17 or 18.”
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Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan’s participation in this month’s World Championship remains in doubt as the seven-time champion has yet to make a final decision on whether he will compete at the CruciblePA
“I’d love to be able to go there and play. I’d love to be able to have the confidence to be able to get my cue out and go and play snooker.”
O’Sullivan explained his recent struggles have been ongoing for some time.
“It’s been a real struggle. I’ve tried to play my way through,” he admitted.
“On the whole, probably three and a half years out of the last four have been pretty terrible for me and that’s taken its toll.”
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