Snooker: Ronnie O'Sullivan will return to defend world title

O'Sullivan has been on sabbatical

Ronnie O'Sullivan has missed ranking tournaments in China and Australia since landing his fourth Crucible title (Getty Images)

Ronnie O'Sullivan has ended his sabbatical from snooker and announced he will defend his world title.

O'Sullivan said in November that he would not compete for the rest of the season, ruling out another crack at the World Championship this year, but he today went back on that decision.

The 37-year-old, appearing at a press conference in central London, said he will take part in the tournament at the Crucible, which begins on April 20.

And he insists he can be a contender, despite his lack of match practice.

O'Sullivan 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, widely regarded as the most talented player in the history of the sport, has played just once since winning his fourth world title last May - a drab loss to the unheralded Simon Bedford at a minor tournament in Gloucester.

With the entry deadline for this season's World Championship falling on Thursday, he has made his choice just in time and World Snooker have confirmed he will be in the line-up, beginning his campaign on the opening morning of the tournament.

There was speculation that O'Sullivan might call it a day for good, but the Chigwell-based cueman will instead start among the favourites as he targets a fifth Crucible crown.

PA