The best snooker participant of all time, Ronnie O’Sullivan, returns to motion this afternoon as he competes within the first spherical of the World Snooker Championship on the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in opposition to long-time foe Ali Carter.
The seven-time world champion hasn’t performed in a event since snapping his cue in anger and strolling out of the Championship League in January. He has pulled out of a number of occasions at brief discover over the previous 12 months, including the Masters at Alexandra Palace, to prioritise his mental health and wellbeing and admits he has been scared to go near a snooker table throughout his absence, whereas fearing he has “misplaced his bottle”.
O’Sullivan has been open about his struggles, and there was actual doubt about whether or not the 49-year-old would play at Sheffield or be absent for the primary time in 33 years however he’s certainly taking to the baize and can attempt to discover type because the event progresses.
He’s presently degree with Stephen Hendry for probably the most world titles received on the Crucible, with seven, and though he has performed down expectations of securing a record-breaking eight this yr, he does have type – having opted to overlook the entire of the 2013 season earlier than rocking up in Sheffield and profitable the world title that yr.
‘The Rocket’ might have acquired a neater first-round draw, with Carter the highest-ranked participant to come back by the qualifiers and a former two-time world finalist himself – dropping to O’Sullivan on each events, in 2008 and 2012. The pair have a messy historical past that features mid-match shoulder barges and wars of words over on-table behaviour, so count on an explosive contest.
Observe all of the motion from the first-round encounter between O’Sullivan and Carter from the Crucible with our weblog under:
Rocket Ronnie expects to stay grounded slightly than profitable eighth world title
Ronnie O’Sullivan has painted a bleak image of his probabilities of clinching a record-breaking eighth World Snooker Championship title and claims first-round opponent Ali Carter will begin as favorite when he will get his thirty third Crucible marketing campaign underway on Tuesday.
O’Sullivan has not performed on the World Snooker Tour since he stuffed his cue in a bin after crashing out of the Championship League in January, and after a turbulent time on the apply desk he left his participation doubtful till the eve of the event.
The 49-year-old believes he’s nonetheless counting the price of a rash try to vary his enjoying fashion, and says he has come to the “scary” realisation that he would possibly by no means recuperate the shape that has seen him universally acclaimed as the perfect participant within the historical past of the sport.
Luke Baker22 April 2025 12:49
Ronnie O’Sullivan: ‘I used to be scared to go close to a snooker desk and I’ve misplaced my bottle’
Ronnie O’Sullivan has admitted he was scared to method a snooker desk throughout his break from the sport and fears he has misplaced his bottle, whereas additionally acknowledging that he might nonetheless pull out of the upcoming World Snooker Championship at brief discover.
The World Championship started in Sheffield on Saturday morning, though O’Sullivan’s first-round grudge match in opposition to Ali Carter doesn’t begin till Tuesday afternoon.
The seven-time world champion hasn’t performed in a event since snapping his cue in anger and strolling out of the Championship League in January. He has pulled out of a number of occasions at brief discover over the previous 12 months, together with the Masters at Alexandra Palace, to prioritise his psychological well being and wellbeing.
Learn the complete, candid interview with O’Sullivan:
Luke Baker22 April 2025 12:31
World Snooker Championship schedule
Ronnie O’Sullivan v Ali Carter headlines the afternoon session on the Crucible however the morning session started a few hours in the past, which incorporates 2005 champion Shaun Murphy in motion.
World No 1 Judd Trump is among the gamers in motion this night and right here’s at present’s full schedule. All of those are first-round matches.
Zhang Anda (12) v Pang Junxu
Shaun Murphy (15) v Daniel Wells
Ronnie O’Sullivan (5) v Ali Carter
Ding Junhui (10) 6-3 Zak Surety – to a end
Judd Trump (2) v Zhou Yuelong
Si Jiahui (13) 6-3 David Gilbert – to a end
Luke Baker22 April 2025 12:30
Ronnie O’Sullivan v Ali Carter
Good afternoon and welcome to The Unbiased’s protection of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s snooker return on the World Championship, the place he’ll tackle outdated foe Ali Carter.
The primary session of their best-of-19 encounter will start at 2.30pm BST so keep on with us for all of the motion.
Luke Baker22 April 2025 12:29
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