Snooker legend Jimmy White has shared 'whispers' on what he's heard about Ronnie O'Sullivan amid the seven-time world champion's absence from the sport.
O'Sullivan pulled out of the Welsh Open last week, hours before his first round match against Jamie Clarke was due to begin.
'The Rocket' subsequently apologised to fans on Twitter for the late decision, writing: "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.
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"I'm doing what I can to get back to my best, and I'm grateful for all your support and understanding."
O'Sullivan also pulled out of last month's Masters event, where he was due to face long-time rival John Higgins.
He hasn't played since competing at the Champions League on January 9, with 'The Rocket' withdrawing from a scheduled match against adversary Ali Carter.
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'The Rocket' lost four of his five group games and was clearly furious with himself during a 4-3 loss to Robert Milkins, before allegedly throwing his cue into a bin after snapping it following the match.
He is due to take on Stuart Carrington in a qualifier for the upcoming World Open on Sunday but it remains unclear as to whether he will enter.
Now, six-time world finalist White - who is a close friend of O'Sullivan - has revealed what he has heard about the fellow snooker legend.
Speaking on Eurosport during the Welsh Open, 'The Whirlwind' explained: "He needs some match practice before the World Championship. He needs to get amongst it.
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"I have heard he has a good cue he is happy with, I am only hearing whispers.
"He needs to be playing some tournaments to get some match practice under his belt.
"Saying that, do you remember when he did not play for a year, and then he came and won the World Championship? So as long as he is playing he has every chance."
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O'Sullivan's previous absence that White refers to was during the 2012/13 season, when he didn't enter a single event between September 2012 and the World Championship in April 2013.
'The Rocket' had already banked enough ranking points in previous seasons to qualify for the Crucible automatically, and won the tournament by beating Barry Hawkins 18-12 in the final to retain his world crown.
Topics: Ronnie OSullivan, Snooker
Ryan Smart