Ronnie O’Sullivan reveals his state of mind with two-word message ahead of highly-anticipated World Championship return

• O’Sullivan confirmed he will make his 33rd consecutive Crucible appearance
• The seven-time world champion has not played in a tournament since January
• O’Sullivan has been drawn to face his old rival Ali Carter in the first round 

By MICHAEL PAVITT

Ronnie O’Sullivan has declared he is ‘feeling good’ after finally confirming he will play at the World Snooker Championship.

The seven-time world champion’s 33rd consecutive Crucible appearance had been in doubt, having not competed since snapping his cue in anger at the Champions League in January.

O’Sullivan told Mail Sport a fortnight ago he was ‘burnt out’ after ‘four years of struggling’ and would make a last-minute call on whether to play in Sheffield.

Having confirmed his participation, the 49-year-old claimed he has made progress with his new cue ahead of the tournament.

O’Sullivan hit two 147 breaks at his academy in Saudi Arabia last week, contributing to his decision.

‘I’m proud to continue my record of having never missed a World Championship,’ O’Sullivan told TNT Sports.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has declared he is ‘feeling good’ ahead of the World Snooker Championship

O’Sullivan has been absent since breaking his cue in January but said he is making progress

The record seven-time world champion hit two 147 breaks at his academy in Saudi Arabia

‘I have many fond memories at The Crucible and look forward to making more in 2025.

‘I’ve enjoyed some good prep with my (new!) cue over the last week so feel good ahead of Tuesday.’

O’Sullivan also shared a social media post from the broadcaster which stated ‘Ronnie is back’ ahead of his return. 

Ronnie O’Sullivan is set to work as a pundit for TNT Sports on Saturday and Sunday before his opener against Carter – who he beat in the 2008 and 2012 world finals – on Tuesday.

The pair have a long-running feud, famously barging shoulders during their second-round match at the Crucible in 2018, which Carter won.

O’Sullivan then beat his rival in last year’s Masters final, after which Carter accused him of ‘snotting all over the floor’.

In response, O’Sullivan described Carter as ‘a f***ing nightmare’ and said he needed to ‘sort his f***ing life out’.

He continued: ‘He’s not a nice person. It’s not a nice vibe he leaves around the table.

O’Sullivan has been drawn to face Ali Carter in the first round of the World Championships

O’Sullivan delivered a middle finger riposte when engaging in a rant at Carter last year

The two were involved in a ‘shoulder barge’ incident in their 2018 World Championship clash

‘I’ve said my piece, I don’t give a s***. I’ve said it now, done. You know what he’s like, everybody knows what he’s like.

‘He’s got issues. F***ing why has he got issues with me? I’m not having it.’

But speaking earlier this year, O’Sullivan admitted regret over his outburst about Carter and said: ‘It’s nothing personal, just heat of the moment stuff. He’s entitled to say what he’s got to say, like I am.

‘Do I regret saying it? Probably. I wish I’d kept my mouth shut and been a bit more polished with my answers, a bit more diplomatic. But I’ve said what I’ve said and that’s fine.

‘It’s only words innit? He goes back to his life, his family and I do. We only have to meet on the table, it’s not like we’re best mates but it’s fine, we’re both pretty grown up.’

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Ronnie O’Sullivan reveals his state of mind with two-word message ahead of highly-anticipated World Championship return

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