Ronnie O’Sullivan today announced he will make his return to snooker to defend his World Championship title at April’s tournament.

O’Sullivan took a break from the game after he won the event last year, for the fourth time. He has until the end of this month to make his decision about registering for this year’s World Championships but had played just once since winning last year’s title.

O’Sullivan told the BBC, "Three or four months ago I was sitting thinking that I would rather be losing 10-0 in Sheffield to be back playing, rather than going for lunch, dinner and chilling out.

"I had to get back to playing, winning or losing, and it shows how big a part of my life snooker is.

"I certainly feel refreshed. I was never out of juice. I don't find snooker hard mentally or physically.

"It is your job and you get used to it. I needed to take time out for other things.

"I knew I couldn't take too much time out. It was always in the back of my mind that I had to come back and come back with a clear head after sorting a few things out."

 This year’s World Championship will begin on April 20 and be held, as always, at The Crucible in Sheffield. O’Sullivan will begin the tournament as top seed due to being the reigning champion.

O’Sullivan’s future in the game had been in doubt and many wondered if he would ever make a return to the biggest stage.
 
O’Sullivan dismissed the notion, telling AFP, “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.”