Snooker great Ronnie O’Sullivan will return to action at the World Grand Prix in March.
The Rocket hasn’t played competitive snooker since early January, and pulled out of an eagerly anticipated Masters clash with Wizard of Wishaw John Higgins just days before it was due to take place. After not appearing at the German Masters and leaving fans gutted after an 11th hour Welsh Open withdrawal, he’s now set to return to the game at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong – with Si Jiahui set to be his first opponent on March 5.
After pulling out of the World Open in the build-up to the Grand Prix, fans were worried that it could be the end of the road for the seven time world champion. But he’s told organisers in Hong Kong that he’s “excited” to return in a part of the world where he’s as big a star as back home.
In a short statement O’Sullivan says: “I am really looking forward to coming to Hong Kong to play in the World Grand Prix. I have just been having a little break to keep myself fresh. I am excited to see you all.”
A WST statement issued on February 18 put his absence from the World Open down to “medical reasons” with Ronnie issuing a heartfelt apology to disappointed fans who had hoped to see him in action at the Welsh Open earlier in the month. He said: “I’ve been trying to prioritise my health and well-being, which sometimes means making last-minute decisions not to play.
“It’s never an easy decision and I hate letting people down. I’m doing what I can to get back to my best, and I’m grateful for all your support and understanding.”
Speaking on his Snooker Club podcast, fellow seven-time world champ Stephen Hendry was asked whether he felt O’Sullivan would play in March and said: “He does like playing in China; he’s loved over there, and I’d be shocked if he didn’t play in Hong Kong. But I don’t know what to think about what’s going on really.”