Fans fear Ronnie O’Sullivan could MISS World Snooker Championship after spotting worrying clue in latest message
SNOOKER fans fear Ronnie O’Sullivan will NOT play in the World Championship.
The best players in the game descend on the Crucible from April 19 to May 5.
O’Sullivan, 49, has not played since the beginning of January and there are doubts over whether he will be in the mix for a record-breaking eighth title.
The Rocket is booked in for an event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on April 8 to 10 – just a week before the World Championship gets underway.
Lucky fans have a chance to watch O’Sullivan and Nigel Bond before they host a Q&A session with supporters.
Promotion for the event says: “Be close to Ronnie and watch him during his preparation for the World Snooker Tour.”
Some fans reckon it spells out uncertainty over O’Sullivan’s spot at the World Championship.
One wrote: “Telling that it doesn’t say his prep for the Crucible.”
Another speculated: “Can we read anything into this not naming the World Champs as the event Ronnie is training for?”
More pleaded: “Are you going to be at the Worlds this year?”
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Since his last appearance, O’Sullivan has pulled out of the Masters, German Masters, World Open, Welsh Open and World Grand Prix.
His withdrawals mean he has not managed to qualify for the Players Championship in Telford nor the Tour Championship in Manchester.
After pulling out the World Grand Prix, O’Sullivan said: “I am very disappointed not to be competing.
“I had been eager to make my comeback in Hong Kong and have put in my utmost effort but unfortunately must consider my health.
“I wish to sincerely thank the organisers and all the Hong Kong fans for their support.”