Snooker legend Jimmy White hints at Ronnie O’Sullivan ‘whispers’ with World Championship growing ever closer

JIMMY WHITE has hinted at Ronnie O'Sullivan's potential return to the felt. The Rocket has missed the Masters, German Masters and Welsh Open recently due to withdrawals. O'Sullivan, 49, has come under fire for his absences, though he has claimed that it has been due to his mental health. His last public appearance came at the Champions League in which he snapped his cue. The seven-time world champion's friend and snooker legend White has suggested that he could be set to return.

He told Eurosport: "He needs some match practice before the World Championship. "He needs to get amongst it. "I have heard he has a good cue he is happy with, [but] I am only hearing whispers.". White also suggested that O'Sullivan needs to get back to playing in order to get some form. However, he did admit that the Rocket is capable of brilliance as he cited his return to win the World Championship in 2013.

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS. He added: "He needs to be playing some tournaments to get some match practice under his belt. "Saying that, do you remember when he did not play for a year, and then he came and won the World Championship?. "So as long as he is playing he has every chance.". O'Sullivan released a statement on social media after dropping out of the Welsh Open. He insisted that it was not a decision he took lightly as he was grateful for support from fans.

He wrote: "I realise plenty of people who bought tickets to some recent snooker events will have been frustrated when I withdrew, so I just wanted to say sorry to those of you who’ve been disappointed with me having to pull out of those tournaments. "I’ve been trying to prioritise my health and well-being, which sometimes means making last-minute decisions not to play. "It’s never an easy decision and I hate letting people down.

"I’m doing what I can to get back to my best, and I’m grateful for all your support and understanding.". FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight. The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it. O'Sullivan has three children - two daughters and a son. And the Rocket's on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.

He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction. While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard. Despite being worth £14million, O'Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars. His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded 'snooker's greatest feud'. And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous 'Snotgate' row.