Ronnie O'Sullivan confirms he's returning to defend title

[Tom]

http://www.espn.co.uk/espn/sport/story/194949.html

Ronnie O'Sullivan has confirmed he will return to snooker and defend his world title.

O'Sullivan won his fourth world title last May with an 18-11 victory over Ali Carter

Following a dismal loss to Simon Bedford in Gloucester last year, O'Sullivan announced in November that he would take a break from the game to focus on his family life and his battle with depression.

So the 37-year-old traded the grind of honing his queue action for volunteering at a farm three days a week but he kept his eye in by practising at his mother's house "every couple of weeks."

O'Sullivan was recently seen in the crowd at The Masters, which fuelled suggestions that he would return to the sport.

He had until Thursday to confirm his participation in the World Championship and he announced at a press conference on Tuesday that he would defend his title.

"I certainly feel refreshed," he said. "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 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."

O'Sullivan is aware of the challenge ahead if he is to defend his world title.

He said: "I have probably played three or four exhibitions, so I have probably played 10 days.

"I am match rusty if you like, I have not played any matches or been in any tense situations. This is going to be tough. You can never replicate the conditions other than in a match."

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

[Wakers]

Let the drama begin.

[Tom]

Let the drama begin.

What gives you that idea?

[Wakers]

Because every major tournament he plays in, he causes drama for one reason or another. Whether he's throwing a hissy fit in interviews, being rude to referees or giving lip to fellow players.

Once he gets negative backlash for being a spoilt brat, he then laments about how he should walk away from the sport.

[Lingwo]

That is all true. When he is playing at his best though. He is unbelievable to watch.

I think we always knew he'd defend his title.

[ramesees]

Lets hope he gets through to the quarter finals I'm going to watch :D

[Rappy Veteran]

Let the drama begin.

It's already begun really with some players moaning its not fair

[Tom]

It's already begun really with some players moaning its not fair

That's kind of expected though. They're feeling threatened because they all know that if he comes on form, he'll wipe the floor with everyone.

[Rappy Veteran]

That's kind of expected though. They're feeling threatened because they all know that if he comes on form, he'll wipe the floor with everyone.

That depends what form he returns in, I hope he dazzles though, a Judd Trump vs Ronnie final plzkthnx

[Wakers]

That's kind of expected though. They're feeling threatened because they all know that if he comes on form, he'll wipe the floor with everyone.

That's a bit bias. Don't even defending champions have to qualify normally?

[Rappy Veteran]

That's a bit bias. Don't even defending champions have to qualify normally?

Not in the world they get to play first

[Tom]

That depends what form he returns in, I hope he dazzles though, a Judd Trump vs Ronnie final plzkthnx

I wouldn't say that was very likely. Judd's my favourite player after Ronnie but even I have to contend that he's not likely to get to the final, he's been off form this season. I kind of expect Selby to get to the final.