23 Feb 2013

O'Sullivan to reveal snooker future

9:19 am on 23 February 2013

Thereigning world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan is set to make a major announcement concerning his future in snooker on Tuesday.

O'Sullivan, a four-time world champion, has played only one competitive match this season after growing disenchanted with the sport in recent years.

The 37-year-old has until the end of February to decide whether to defend his world title at the Crucible before the entry list for the tournament closes.

Former world number one O'Sullivan, now ranked 24th, is expected to say at a press conference in London on Tuesday whether he will be returning to action in the Sheffield event.

O'Sullivan wrote to World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn in November to say he would be skipping the remainder of the season, sparking speculation that he was set to retire.

But the latest reports hint he is ready to defend his world title despite his lack of match practice.