Snooker legend Jimmy White has revealed he's heard positive "whispers" about Ronnie O'Sullivan's potential return to the sport, including news that the seven-time world champion has found a cue he's happy with.
O'Sullivan has been absent from competitive snooker for over a month, citing mental health concerns.
It has sparked fears from snooker fans that the sporting legend could decide to retire from the game.
However, White has insisted that he could be back before the end of the month with his next fixture pencilled in for February 23.
Ronnie O'Sullivan pulled out of the Welsh Open just hours before it got underway
PA
"He needs some match practice before the World Championship," White told Eurosport at the Welsh Open. "He needs to get amongst it."
"I have heard he has a good cue he is happy with, [but] I am only hearing whispers," added White, who is a long-time friend and rival of O'Sullivan.
The Rocket has withdrawn from multiple tournaments in 2025, including the Masters, German Masters and most recently the Welsh Open.
His withdrawal from the Welsh Open came on the morning of his opening match against Jamie Clarke.
O'Sullivan's last competitive appearance was at the Championship League on January 9, where he lost four of his five group games.
During that event, he showed visible frustration during a 4-3 loss to Robert Milkins, reportedly snapping his cue and throwing it in a bin afterwards.
White believes O'Sullivan will need tournament practice ahead of April's World Championship, though recalled his previous success after long absences.
Following criticism from fans about his late withdrawals, O'Sullivan issued an apology statement.
Jimmy White is a close pal of Ronnie O'Sullivan's
PA
"I realise plenty of people who bought tickets to some recent snooker events will have been frustrated when I withdrew, so I just wanted to say sorry to those of you who've been disappointed," he wrote.
"I've been trying to prioritise my health and well-being, which sometimes means making last-minute decisions not to play.
"It's never an easy decision and I hate letting people down.
"I'm doing what I can to get back to my best, and I'm grateful for all your support and understanding."
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O'Sullivan is scheduled to make his competitive return at the World Open in Yushan, China, where he is set to face Stuart Carrington in the first round on February 23.
The 49-year-old has previously expressed his preference for playing in Asia and Saudi Arabia over British events.
"He needs to be playing some tournaments to get some match practice under his belt," White said.
"Saying that, do you remember when he did not play for a year, and then he came and won the World Championship? So as long as he is playing he has every chance."
