Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan's participation in this month's World Championship remains in doubt as the seven-time champion has yet to make a final decision on whether he will compete at the Crucible.
Former world champion Neil Robertson has warned that O'Sullivan's potential absence would be an "absolutely massive blow" to the tournament.
The 49-year-old O'Sullivan, who has appeared at every World Championship since 1993, is still struggling to find a replacement for his favourite cue that he broke in January.
Robertson believes the uncertainty surrounding O'Sullivan's participation might be something the snooker great is privately enjoying.
Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan's participation in this month's World Championship remains in doubt as the seven-time champion has yet to make a final decision on whether he will compete at the Crucible
PA
O'Sullivan has admitted that three practice sessions before Easter will be crucial to his decision after already withdrawing from five events this year.
The uncertainty comes as he struggles to adapt following the loss of his favourite cue.
"I'll make a decision when I feel like I'm ready to make a decision. That will be it," O'Sullivan has said regarding his Crucible appearance.
World No 10 Robertson suggested that despite the drama, O'Sullivan might not need extensive match practice if he decides to compete.
Snooker star Neil Robertson wants Ronnie O'Sullivan to play in the upcoming World Championship
PA
"If he feels really good about his game, he has proven he doesn't need much match practice. He can slot straight in," Robertson said.
Robertson believes O'Sullivan's potential appearance would create a frenzy at the tournament.
"If he turns up, it is going to be Ronnie-mania, that is for sure!" the Australian said.
"And I think part of him will enjoy that buzz as well. That is maybe what he needs, to fall back in love with the sport and to compete again."
"What Ronnie brings to the World Championship is viewers. He brings eyes on snooker we normally wouldn't have.
"Any member of the public or fan would be devastated, as well."
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Robertson's comments come affter O'Sullivan has concerning admissions about his mental state regarding practice sessions.
"I was getting to the point where I was scared to even go near a table," he revealed.
"Not even the match table, just a practice table. And that has been going on for a long time."
Snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan recently admitted he was scared to practice the sport - despite everything he's achieved throughout his career
PA
Despite winning five tournaments last season, O'Sullivan described the experience as "hard".
"I tried to play through it. I tried and I tried and I tried. I was getting no enjoyment out of it," he said.
"At some point you've got to try and enjoy the game. I can only enjoy it if I'm playing half decent."
