Ronnie O'Sullivan finally breaks silence on playing at the World Snooker Championship with official statement

Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has finally spoken out to reveal if fans can expect to see him playing at the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible.

On Saturday, the World Snooker Championship will get underway at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, with matches to take place until May 5.

Heading into the tournament, many fans have been questioning whether world number five O'Sullivan would be competing following speculation that he may decide not to challenge for an eighth title.

But now, the seven-time world champion has finally spoken out to reveal exactly what his plans for the World Snooker Championship.

O'Sullivan has not played on the World Snooker Tour since January, when he withdrew from his Championship League group after snapping his cue due to losing four of his five matches.

He later pulled out of the Masters at Alexandra Palace, the German Masters in Berlin, the Welsh Open and March's World Grand Prix, telling fans that he had to take some time away from the sport to focus on his health and wellbeing.

But, in an interview with TNT Sports, the Englishman has revealed that he will be back in action at the Crucible, with his first match to take place on Tuesday against Ali Carter.

"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.

"I’ve enjoyed some good prep with my (new!) cue over the last week so feel good ahead of Tuesday."

Image: Getty

Although fans will have to wait until Tuesday to see his first match, O'Sullivan also confirmed that he will be working as a pundit when the competition begins this weekend.

"Before I’m at the table, I’ll be on the sofa for TNT Sports this Saturday and Sunday evening. I’m really looking forward to seeing the team again and having some fun," added O'Sullivan.

The 49-year-old's last world championship title came in 2022, when he defeated Judd Trump in the final 18-13, but he will no doubt enter this year's competition as one of the favourites given his form last year, which saw him win five titles.