Kyren Wilson and John Higgins in agreement on their Ronnie O’Sullivan Crucible opinion

 Two of the biggest names in snooker have given their thoughts on Ronnie O'Sullivan as the Rocket weighs up whether to play at the World Championship.

It remains to be seen whether Ronnie O'Sullivan will play at the World Championship

Two of snooker’s top stars admit the World Championship won’t be the same without Ronnie O’Sullivan. While the Rocket has been included on the official entry list for the Crucible, there are no guarantees he will make a record-extending 33rd appearance at the tournament following the troubled season for the seven-time world champion.

O’Sullivan has missed a host of tournaments, including the Masters in January, after breaking his cue in anger during an appearance at the low-key Championship League. The 49-year-old has said he will leave it as late as possible before making a decision, but rival players are hoping he will be part of the 32-player field.

Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson told the Express: “Absolutely. Whenever Ronnie plays in an event, it certainly boosts ticket sales, it boosts viewing figures. Not only that, I enjoy competing against him. Fingers crossed, he’s there.”

Fellow ‘Class of 92’ member John Higgins has wished O’Sullivan well amid his personal struggles. He also hopes to see the Rocket in Sheffield. 

“Of course, the tournament wouldn’t be the same if Ronnie doesn’t turn up,” said the Scottish legend. “We’ll just have to wait and see. Hopefully, he’s looking after himself and it would be great if he’s there. 

“It’s not great for the other players because he’s one of the favourites. But every tournament Ronnie enters, it always adds a bit of glamour to it.”

John Higgins is hoping to see O'Sullivan at the World Championship

O’Sullivan, who has been spotted practicing with a new cue in Saudi Arabia, recently broke his silence on whether he will play at the Crucible. He told TNT Sports: “I don’t know yet. I haven’t made my mind up, I’ll probably make a decision on maybe the 17th or 18th of April [the tournament begins on April 19].

“I don’t know when I’m due to play my first match, so I’m going to try and leave myself as much time as possible. I’d love to be able to go there and play, I’d love to be able to have the confidence to be able to get my cue out and go and play snooker.

“I just need to give myself as much time as possible to see where I’m at with it, and see whether it’s something I’m going to be able to do.”

World champion Kyren Wilson has given his thoughts on O'Sullivan

Despite a stunning 2023/24 season, which saw him win the UK Championship and the Masters, the Rocket said the last few years have been a struggle. He added: “It’s been a real struggle. I’ve tried to play my way through. I’ve had moments and glimpses where I thought, ‘OK, this is OK’.

“But on the whole, probably three-and-a-half years out of the last four have been pretty terrible for me and that’s kind of took its toll. I kind of got a bit tired. It kind of ground me down to the point where I kind of lost the love for the game.

“That’s why in January, I snapped my cue just in temper, in frustration. I don’t really want to feel like that, so I’ve taken time out. I am just gonna try and fix what I think is the problem before I come back to play serious snooker again.”