Ronnie O’Sullivan’s rival gives worrying update on snooker legend ahead of World Championship

NEIL ROBERTSON reckons it will be “Ronnie-mania”; if the Rocket decides he WILL play in the World Championship.

But Aussie believes that ’s GOAT is privately relishing all the buzz surrounding the uncertainty.

SunSport revealed this week that , 49, is still to make a final call over whether or not to compete at later this month.

, who has been an ever-present in Sheffield since 1993, insists he has not found a cue to replace the favourite he broke back in January.

And O’Sullivan admits three practice sessions before Easter will be key after pulling out of five events already this year.

World No 10 Robertson reckons O’Sullivan is probably loving all the drama — but admits he will be sorely missed if he stays away.

The 2010 world champion said: “If he isn’t playing, it would be an absolutely massive blow.

“Even if I’m not involved in the world championship and if Ronnie is playing, I would watch.

“Any member of the public or fan would be devastated, as well.

“What Ronnie brings to the is viewers. He brings eyes on snooker we normally wouldn’t have.

“If he turns up, it is going to be Ronnie-mania, that is for sure!

“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.

“I think he will always love the sport but maybe he hasn’t enjoyed competing as much.”;

O’Sullivan has not played since following a 3-2 defeat against Chris Wakelin at the Championship League in January.

The draw is on Thursday April 17 ahead of the competition getting under way two days later.

Robertson, 43, added: “Ronnie had a brilliant season last season where he won a lot of big trophies.

“The thing is nobody knows how he is playing — he could be brilliant in practice and nobody knows it.

“But if he feels really good about his game, he has proven he doesn’t need much match practice. He can slot straight in.”;

The ‘Thunder from Down Under’ was stuffed 10-1 by in Thursday’s Tour Championship quarter-final in Manchester but later revealed he was suffering from a virus, picked up from his son.

He explained: “The night before I never slept, coughed up all sorts and spent all day in bed.

“I thought about withdrawing but I’m not sure that would have been fair on Mark who deserved to complete the match.”;