Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has not been seen in competitive action since January, raising questions about his participation in next month's World Championship at the Crucible.
The seven-time world champion dramatically withdrew from the Championship League in January after smashing his cue in frustration.
Since then, the 49-year-old has missed several major tournaments including the Masters, where he was defending champion.
O'Sullivan has never missed a World Championship since his debut in 1993, but his appearance this year remains uncertain.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has been tipped to win the World Championship this year
GettyDespite O'Sullivan's absence, seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry believes the Rocket could still compete at the Crucible.
"I've got a sneaky suspicion he is going to [play]," Hendry said on the Snooker Club podcast.
The Scottish legend even suggested O'Sullivan could triumph against all odds.
"What a story it would be," he said. "All these players: Wilson, Trump winning all these tournaments. Robertson back, Higgins back, Selby."
"Ronnie just decides he's going to turn up at the Worlds and wins it. It would be an unbelievable story and he's that good."
O'Sullivan's last competitive appearance came at the Championship League in Leicester, where his frustration boiled over.
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He subsequently pulled out of the Masters and has not played in a tournament since.
Hendry believes that despite this extended absence, O'Sullivan could still be a major contender with proper preparation.
"If he had a month behind closed doors, practicing, putting the work in, getting himself sharp then of course he can," said Hendry.
"He'd be one of the top two or three favourites to win it."
This would not be the first time O'Sullivan has made a dramatic comeback after an extended break.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan has been out of action recently with health issuesPAHendry recalled advising O'Sullivan before his 2013 World Championship victory following a year away from the sport.
"He messaged me and said, 'Do you think I can still came back and do it?'" Hendry said.
"I said, 'Of course you can. All you need is a month's solid practice.'"
However, Hendry acknowledged the challenge is greater now than in 2013.
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Stephen Hendry claimed Ronnie O'Sullivan could win the World Championship
ITV"He obviously did it before, had a year off but he was a much younger man and there weren't the players around that are in such form."
Bookmakers still consider O'Sullivan among the favourites to claim an eighth world title this year.
Betfair has the Rocket joint-favourite at 7/1 alongside world number one Judd Trump and defending champion Kyren Wilson.
