Ronnie O'Sullivan says he has had his 'arm twisted' to play in an upcoming snooker tournament after winning the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker event.
The Rocket will appear at the Tour Championship in Manchester next month, just a matter of weeks before the World Championship begins.
O'Sullivan won his fifth tournament of the season on Wednesday, triumphing over Luca Brecel in the final 4-1 in Saudi Arabia.
It was the first official snooker tournament in the country and the first time the sport has been to the Middle East since the mid-1990s.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was delighted after winning the Riyadh Masters
Despite enjoying sustained success at the table, O'Sullivan has restricted his schedule in recent months.
He took almost a month out between January and February before returning at the Players Championship in Telford.
O'Sullivan was at his best in his quarter-final against John Higgins in Riyadh before seeing off Judd Trump in the semi-final.
He then overcame reigning world champion Brecel in front of a crowd who were largely backing the 48-year-old.
Speaking before his victory, O'Sullivan outlined his plan for the next couple of months.
He will be at the World Open in China later this month before appearing at the Tour Championship, which starts on April 1.
O'Sullivan claims he was persuaded by sponsors to enter the tournament, which is set to be his final competitive appearance before the World Championship.
He told the WST: "I’m going to keep playing, keep enjoying it. I go to China next week which I’m looking forward to.
"It’s a tournament that I’m geared up to do well in, with this and China, then obviously the one in Manchester because my sponsors have twisted my arm to say, look we want you to do well in it, it would mean a lot to us.
"So for the next four tournaments [including the Riyadh event] I’m really going to give it 100 per cent because sponsors and all the backing that they’ve put in for these events."
O'Sullivan admitted this week that he doesn't 'get excited' about winning tournaments.
But he was pleased to pick up the trophy following his win over Belgium star Brecel.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan was at his best as he beat Luca Brecel in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night
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He said: "I wanted to do well in this event, just to be a part of it was great.
"I started really well against John Higgins, that was one of my best performances.
"I struggled in the semi-finals against Judd Trump but then played better in the final.
"I felt very relaxed and laid back here because they take life at a leisurely pace.
Ronnie O'Sullivan poses with his trophy after beating Luca Brecel to win the Riyadh Masters
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"It was great to hear the fans chanting my name at the end and I can’t wait to come back.
“They love the game here, are talking about an academy and getting some good coaches.
"If there are youngsters playing the game then we could have a Saudi World Champion in 20 years. It’s good for snooker.”
