Ronnie O’Sullivan will resume his career at the German Masters next week, nearly two months after his last competitive match and following his withdrawal from the Masters on medical grounds.
The 50-year-old, who turned professional in 1992, must first win a heldover qualifying match against Chinese player Long Zehuang before facing Ali Carter in the first round proper at Berlin’s Tempodrom venue.
O’Sullivan had been scheduled to play Neil Robertson at Alexandra Palace earlier this month but pulled out citing illness. Sources indicated the Dubai-based player had been experiencing fatigue and did not feel physically capable of competing at elite level.
The snooker legend has been practising in Ireland in recent days, reportedly playing with two professional players at an Irish pub, though he felt too drained to return for the Triple Crown event.
His last appearance came at the UK Championship in York on 2 December, when he suffered a first-round defeat to Zhou Yuelong. That loss occurred three days before his 50th birthday.
Those close to O’Sullivan have confirmed his health is now improving sufficiently to allow his participation in Berlin, where he enters as the ninth seed.
The tournament final is scheduled for Sunday, 1 February, with the champion set to receive £100,000 in prize money.
In O’Sullivan’s absence from the Masters, Kyren Wilson claimed the title by defeating John Higgins at Alexandra Palace.
