Ronnie O'Sullivan made a triumphant return to competitive snooker with an emphatic 10-4 victory over Ali Carter in the first round of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield.
The seven-time world champion had not played on the professional tour since crashing out of the Championship League in January.
O'Sullivan withdrew from several tournaments earlier this year, including The Masters after snapping his cue, to prioritise his health and wellbeing.
Despite his lengthy absence, the Rocket showed little sign of rust as he dispatched his former foe, though he did admit he had lost a lot of love for snooker in recent times.
Ronnie O'Sullivan admitted he has struggled to love the game of snooker in recent times
Reuters
O'Sullivan held a slender 5-4 lead overnight but dominated the second session, winning five consecutive frames.
He reeled off three centuries in five frames, showcasing his exceptional talent despite months away from the table.
Carter failed to score a point in the first two frames upon resumption as O'Sullivan dispatched breaks of 59 and 117.
The Rocket followed with a clearance of 74 and then added two more centuries, including a 131 total clearance to wrap up the victory.
It was a stark contrast to the opening session where O'Sullivan had benefited from Carter's errors.
O'Sullivan spoke candidly about his mental state after the match.
"I had no expectations so there were no nerves, I didn't expect to perform well based on the last three or four years. I just wanted to make a game of it," he told BBC Two.
"It ground me down, this game has a way of humbling you. I lost the buzz for the game," he admitted.
The champion revealed he's working to rediscover his form: "I'm just trying to work my way back, rediscover some touch and feel."
O'Sullivan will now face China's Pang Junxu in the second round, which begins on Saturday afternoon.
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The 25-year-old Chinese player became the sixth and final Chinese competitor to reach the last 16 after completing a 10-7 win over compatriot Zhang Anda.
Pang previously faced O'Sullivan on his Crucible debut two years ago, losing 10-7.
He has improved since then, reaching his second ranking semi-final at the Northern Ireland Open in October.
"I think I have a chance to win," Pang said confidently ahead of the match.
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Former Masters and UK Champion Mark Allen was full of praise for O'Sullivan's performance.
"We can talk all day about some of the mistakes Ali made, but you just have to hold your hands up sometimes and say: 'That is ridiculous snooker from Ronnie O'Sullivan'," Allen said.
"He can't play any better than that - that's flawless snooker for five frames."
Allen added: "Ronnie wouldn't have turned up here if he didn't feel like he was ready to win the tournament. He doesn't need snooker, he clearly wants to be here."
