Ronnie O'Sullivan set for World Grand Prix return after video message to fans

EDIT: Since this article, O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the tournament due to medical reasons.

Seven-time World Champion O'Sullivan has endured a frustrating season for his impeccable standards, having yet to reach an event final. Last season, he won five tournaments.

The 49-year-old has not played on the World Snooker Tour since deliberately breaking his cue at the behind-closed-doors Championship League Invitational in early January, which led to a chain of tournament withdrawals, including forgoing his title defence of the Masters in London, and last week's Welsh Open.

Earlier this week, it was announced by the authorities that O'Sullivan had withdrawn from the upcoming 2025 World Open in Yushan, China due to medical reasons.

However, it seems likely that O'Sullivan will be back in action the following week elsewhere in Asia at the first Players Series event of the term which takes place between March 4 to 9.

According to the South China Morning Post, O'Sullivan made a pre-recorded video message reassuring fans that he will attend Hong Kong's first ranking event since 1989.

The article quotes O'Sullivan having said: "I am really looking forward to coming to Hong Kong to play in the World Grand Prix.

“I have just been having a little break, to keep myself fresh. I am excited to see you all.”

O'Sullivan - as well as world number one Judd Trump - recently became an official Hong Kong resident, as part of the region's Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.

It's possible that O'Sullivan may feel pressured or obliged to play in this event given his new status there. Being held at the very impressive, state-of-the-art Kai Tak Arena - which can accommodate around 4,000 spectators - the 32-player showcase is a "M" Mark event, as awarded by the Hong Kong Major Sports Events Committee for signature competitions on its territory sports calendar.

That aside, though, this may be an ideal competition for O'Sullivan to make his baize return. He is the defending champion - 'The Rocket' defeated Judd Trump in last year's final - and it features an elite field played in a huge arena with only two tables for the opening three rounds.

Only the top 32 players from this season's one-year ranking list have been invited to it, all of whom are guaranteed at least £10,000 for their appearance. There is a massive prize money increase coinciding with the venue change, as the champion will pocket £180,000 - an £80,000 boost from 2024.

O'Sullivan - who won the last professional snooker event held in Hong Kong, in 2022 - is scheduled for a mouth-watering round one encounter with Chinese youngster Si Jiahui during the evening session of March 5th.

It is unclear what O’Sullivan’s intentions are for the rest of the 2024/25 snooker season, but should he want to qualify for the last two Players Series events - the Players Championship (top 16) and the Tour Championship (top 12) - he will need a deep run in Hong Kong as he is currently 24th on the seasonal standings.