Returning O’Sullivan sets sights on a fifth World Championship
WORLD snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan is convinced he can defend his title despite playing just one competitive match in the last 10 months, after announcing his comeback yesterday.
The 37-year-old lost to rank outsider Simon Bedford in a Players Tour Championship event in September – his only ranking event since winning a fourth world title in April – and pulled out of the 2012-13 season in November.
But upon declaring his return just two days before Thursday’s deadline for entries to the Crucible, O’Sullivan said: “I am used to being written off. I know how good I am and that I can do this.”
O’Sullivan, who has battled depression and suffered glandular fever early last year, said he felt “refreshed” following his four-month break, which had prompted renewed speculation that he might retire.
“I got a bit bored,” he added. “I was never out of juice. I don’t find snooker hard mentally or physically. It was always in the back of my mind that I had to come back with a clear head after sorting a few things out.”
RONNIE’S WOBBLES
1998: Stripped of Irish Open title for failing drug test, then misses UK Championship with depression
2006: Quits quarter-final against Stephen Hendry at UK Championship while 4-1 down, is fined £21,000
2008: Wins World Championship but then hints at retirement
2012: Pulls out of rest of season citing “personal issues”