Ronnie O'Sullivan makes official statement on playing World Snooker Championship after draw made

 Ronnie O'Sullivan has confirmed he will compete in the 2025 World Snooker Championship, ending months of speculation about his participation.

The seven-time world champion will return to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield next week, having not played on the World Snooker Tour since January.

O'Sullivan, currently ranked world number five, made the announcement in an interview with TNT Sports.

"I'm proud to continue my record of having never missed a World Championship. I have many fond memories at The Crucible and look forward to making more in 2025," he said.

The tournament begins this Saturday and will run until 5 May.

O'Sullivan's first-round match will see him face long-term rival Ali Carter on Tuesday.

The draw has added extra intrigue given the pair's fractious history, with O'Sullivan having previously launched into a foul-mouthed rant about Carter.

However, O'Sullivan stated earlier this year that he regretted those comments, saying: "It's just heat of the moment stuff. Do I regret saying it? Probably."

The Rocket appears confident ahead of his return to competitive action.

"I've enjoyed some good prep with my (new!) cue over the last week so feel good ahead of Tuesday," he told TNT Sports.

O'Sullivan's absence from the tour has been a major talking point in the snooker world this year.

He withdrew from his Championship League group in January after snapping his cue following four losses in five matches.

The 49-year-old subsequently pulled out of several major tournaments including the Masters at Alexandra Palace, the German Masters in Berlin, and the Welsh Open.

He told fans at the time that he needed to take a break from the sport to focus on his health and wellbeing.

His return to the Crucible will mark his first competitive appearance in nearly four months.

Before stepping onto the baize himself, O'Sullivan will first appear as a pundit for TNT Sports during the opening weekend of the championship.

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