‘Whispers’ – Jimmy White shares Ronnie O’Sullivan update as mysterious absence continues
Jimmy White says he has heard rumours about a potential return to snooker for Ronnie O’Sullivan. The Rocket has sparked speculation that he could retire after withdrawing from numerous events in recent weeks. There are whispers of a return to action for Ronnie O’SullivanGetty They include the Masters, German Masters and Welsh Open. O’Sullivan’s last appearance came at the Champions League in January when the snooker legend snapped his cue. The 49-year-old put his absences down to his mental health. With fans left guessing as to when – or if – he’ll return, O’Sullivan’s close friend White has tipped him to return soon. White told Eurosport: “He needs some match practice before the World Championship. “He needs to get amongst it. “I have heard he has a good cue he is happy with, [but] I am only hearing whispers.” Suggesting that the seven-time world champion needs to return in order to find some form, White added: “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 (in 2013)? “So as long as he is playing he has every chance.” O’Sullivan has explained his decision to withdraw from the Welsh masters, citing his mental healthGetty In a statement released before his absence at the Welsh Open, O’Sullivan explained in a statement: “I realise plenty of people who bought tickets to some recent snooker events will have been frustrated when I withdrew, so I just wanted to say sorry to those of you who’ve been disappointed with me having to pull out of those tournaments. “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. “I’m doing what I can to get back to my best, and I’m grateful for all your support and understanding.”
Jimmy White says he has heard rumours about a potential return to snooker for Ronnie O’Sullivan.
The Rocket has sparked speculation that he could retire after withdrawing from numerous events in recent weeks.
They include the Masters, German Masters and Welsh Open.
O’Sullivan’s last appearance came at the Champions League in January when the snooker legend snapped his cue.
The 49-year-old put his absences down to his mental health.
With fans left guessing as to when – or if – he’ll return, O’Sullivan’s close friend White has tipped him to return soon.
White told Eurosport: “He needs some match practice before the World Championship.
“He needs to get amongst it.
“I have heard he has a good cue he is happy with, [but] I am only hearing whispers.”
Suggesting that the seven-time world champion needs to return in order to find some form, White added: “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 (in 2013)?
“So as long as he is playing he has every chance.”
In a statement released before his absence at the Welsh Open, O’Sullivan explained in a statement: “I realise plenty of people who bought tickets to some recent snooker events will have been frustrated when I withdrew, so I just wanted to say sorry to those of you who’ve been disappointed with me having to pull out of those tournaments.
“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.
“I’m doing what I can to get back to my best, and I’m grateful for all your support and understanding.”
