(Image: Getty Images – Ronnie O'Sullivan holds a record 41 ranking titles)

The Crucible Countdown Begins
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has entered a race against time to determine his participation in the 2025 World Snooker Championship. The 49-year-old snooker legend, synonymous with Crucible Theatre drama since 1992, faces his most agonizing career decision yet.

Current Form Concerns
The 'Rocket' hasn't competed on the World Snooker Tour since January 2025, when a disastrous Championship League outing saw him:

• Lose 4 of 5 matches
• Smash his cue in frustration
• Withdraw from subsequent tournaments

O'Sullivan's recent absence includes:

• Medical withdrawal from the Masters
• Skipping the German Masters
• Apologizing to fans for missing the Welsh Open
• Last-minute withdrawal from the Hong Kong World Grand Prix

The Decision Timeline
"I'll probably decide around April 17-18," O'Sullivan revealed during a TNT Sports interview. "I need maximum preparation time to assess my readiness. Playing at Sheffield means everything, but only if I can compete at my standard."

Championship Stakes
The 17-day Crucible marathon (April 19-May 5) presents:

• A chance for an unprecedented 8th modern-era title
• Potential seeding complications if O'Sullivan withdraws
• A qualifier receiving a second-round bye if he pulls out

Behind the Struggle
Despite his 2023-24 successes (5 tournament wins, 3 semi-finals), O'Sullivan confesses:

"Three-and-a-half of the last four years have been terrible. The constant pressure eroded my love for the game. That January meltdown was rock bottom – now I'm rebuilding properly before returning."

Historical Parallel
The situation mirrors 2013 when O'Sullivan:

• Took a season-long hiatus
• Played just one competitive match pre-tournament
• Defended his title spectacularly

The Snooker World Waits
As the April 16 qualification deadline approaches, the sport holds its breath. Will snooker's greatest showman conjure another Crucible miracle, or has the Rocket finally run out of fuel?