I could get smashed, admits returning Rocket

Ronnie O’Sullivan dramatically called off his snooker sabbatical yesterday, but admitted he may well end up “getting smashed” when he returns to the table to defend his world title in seven weeks’ time.

O’Sullivan won his fourth World Championship in May, but then announced he was taking a break from the sport to deal with personal issues that have dogged him throughout his career.

The 37-year-old made a brief comeback in September at a tournament in Gloucester, but he once again decided to walk away from the sport following a defeat to the unheralded Simon Bedford.