Ronnie reveals inspiration behind return to snooker

Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed the warmth of his relationship with artist Damien Hirst was a major factor behind his decision to return to snooker after almost a year out.

Hirst, whose famous and controversial works have included a bisected cow and calf in formaldehyde and a diamond-encrusted skull, has in the past compared O’Sullivan’s talent to that of the late Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.