FAN RETURN MAY SET OFF ROCKET

Stage is set for Crucible classic as brilliant Selby fightback has angry Rocket rattled

SNOOKER fans will be allowed to attend this weekend’s Betfred World Championship final at the Crucible.

In a move which could upset Ronnie O’Sullivan (right), the World Snooker Tour were informed last night that restrictions on pilot events for

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN and Mark Selby are set for a Crucible battle royal today.

The Rocket was the victim of a classic fightback from three-time champion Selby yesterday in their titanic Betfred World Championship semi-final in Sheffield.

‘Leicester Jester’ Selby stands 9-7 up going into the final two sessions having overturned an early 5-2 deficit with a superb exhibition.

Selby (right) clenched his fist as he exited the arena having taken six of the eight frames, helped by breaks of 97, 58, 62 and 76.

An angry O’Sullivan, though, smacked the table with his knuckles after missing a pink in the last frame of the day.

Selby has beaten five-time winner O’Sullivan in both previous Crucible clashes – including the 2014 final that brought him a first world crown. Six-time champion Steve Davis said: “Mark Selby will be delighted with that session, he has turned it right around. But it was frustrating for Ronnie O’Sullivan out there. “The next session is now really important with an early start. Ronnie needs to get out of the blocks quickly because a Mark Selby in the right frame of mind is tough to reel in.” O’Sullivan came in to this tournament having taken a break from his coach – because he would not stop talking about snooker.

He shelved his sessions with sighting expert Stephen Feeney, though the pair remain in contact.

However, O’Sullivan has had regular contact with sports psychiatrist Steve Peters, who turned his career around – in a bid to claim a first world title for seven years. O’Sullivan said: “The thing with Steve (Feeney) is that he is so passionate about snooker – he doesn’t stop talking about it – and I thought, ‘I can’t do it!’.

“I just can’t be around people that want to talk about snooker 24/7! I love what he does, and him as a person.

“When I’m not playing, I don’t want to be talking about it or thinking about it. If anyone starts talking about snooker, I’m off to find a corner where I can talk about running.

“It’s not a closed book – as a coach I think he’s brilliant, I learned things and I would recommend it.

“I have played most of the last 10 years with a dimmer switch turned down but I want to give it one last go and see what I have got left.”

Feeney added: “If he needs me, I’m here. He likes to switch off, and just needs to keep his mind clear.”