Ron is on cue for UK return

SNOOKER

WORLD snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has settled his differences with the sport’s governing body and is set to return to the main tour.

The 36-year-old announced after landing his fourth Crucible title that he intended to take a lengthy break.

It later emerged that the lack of appearance money was a factor in his refusal to sign a World Snooker players’ contract, which he said was “too onerous”.

Yesterday was the deadline for O’Sullivan to sign and be eligible for December’s UK Championship in York.

His management announced on Twitter: “Good news. @ronnieo147 may be playing again. Contract clarified. UK and international in China entered.”

O’Sullivan added: “Happy to be back in snooker. See you all soon.”

After beating Ali Carter 18-11 in the World Championship final on May 7, O’Sullivan said: “I work as hard as anyone in snooker and I just want to be treated fairly.

“That’s up to the governing body to treat players right.”

He said in May there were “certain pressures that I can’t do with any more”.

The calendar now being very busy with world ranking tournament points had meant there was added pressure to appear everywhere.

Last season O’Sullivan was only ninth, even after winning the World Championship.

His inactivity since then has moved the Essex-based cueman to 15th place.

His return is in China, from October 28 to November 4.