26 February 2013
Ronnie O’Sullivan will defend his snooker world title after ending his sabbatical from the sport.
O’Sullivan said in November that he would not compete for the rest of the season due to “personal issues” but today went back on that decision, leaving him clear to play at the Crucible in April.
The 37-year-old, who insists he can be a contender in Sheffield despite his lack of match practice, said: “I just thought it was time to come back. I have a different perspective now. I am used to being written off. I know how good I am and that I can do this.”
O’Sullivan has played just once since winning his fourth world title last May — losing to the unheralded Simon Bedford at a minor tournament in Gloucester.
