Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan will decide at the 'last minute' whether to play at this year's World Championship, it has been claimed.
The seven-time world champion has yet to confirm his participation in the prestigious tournament, which begins on April 19 at the Crucible Theatre.
According to his snooker manager Jason Francis, O'Sullivan is practising but won't be rushed into making a decision.
The 49-year-old star will make a last-minute call on whether to compete in the showcase event.
Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan will decide at the 'last minute' whether to play at this year's World Championship, it has been claimed
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His potential absence would be a significant blow for snooker fans hoping to see the 'Rocket' chase a record-breaking eighth world title.
Francis revealed the details during an appearance on the Onefourseven Snooker Podcast.
When asked directly if O'Sullivan would play at the Crucible, Francis said: "He seems to have a cue that he's happy with. He is hitting balls. But he's said nothing different to me than he's said to everyone else."
The manager emphasised that O'Sullivan "will decide, last minute, whether he wants to go."
Francis added: "The only thing I've said is that, if you're going to go, then you have to go and give it everything.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan has won the World Snooker Championship on seven separate occasions
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"If you don't feel right, and if it's mental health or anxiety, bear in mind I've been party to see this."
O'Sullivan hasn't competed since a dramatic incident during the Championship League in January.
During that event, he snapped his cue and stormed off, raising concerns among fans about his future in the sport.
The snooker star has subsequently withdrawn from multiple tournaments, including a highly anticipated Masters clash with John Higgins.
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These absences have left supporters worried about whether the Rocket would return to competitive action.
Francis's update provides the first positive indication that O'Sullivan is at least practising again.
Finding a cue he's comfortable with represents a significant step forward after the January incident.
Francis highlighted that mental health issues affect many players in the sport, not just O'Sullivan.
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"I read that Jamie Jones walked up to a venue and the anxiety got so bad he walked away," he revealed.
"For Ronnie O'Sullivan, the money he can earn at the World Championship, you can argue, won't change his life."
O'Sullivan himself, meanwhile, has addressed his recent absences from competition in a statement to fans.
"I realise plenty of people who bought tickets to some recent snooker events will have been frustrated when I withdrew," he said.
"I just wanted to say sorry to those of you who've been disappointed with me having to pull out of those tournaments."
Ronnie O'Sullivan hasn't played since January as uncertainty continues to surround Rocket ahead of the World Snooker Championship
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O'Sullivan then explained his withdrawals were health-related.
"I've been trying to prioritise my health and wellbeing, which sometimes means making last-minute decisions not to play," he added.
"It's never an easy decision and I hate letting people down."
O'Sullivan concluded with a positive message: "I'm doing what I can to get back to my best."
