Ronnie O'Sullivan's rapid 147 with new cue leaves fans optimistic for World Championship

A clip of pulling off a quick-fire 147 break has left fans optimistic about his comeback for the . Seven-time champion O’Sullivan has been out of action since January.

The 49-year-old decided to take a lengthy break after and during the Championship League, having already pulled out of a string of events. That left fans concerned about his future in the sport and whether he would compete in the World Championship, which gets underway in Sheffield on April 19.

But The Rocket has now provided fresh hope to his fans with an incredible bit of play during a recent trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. New footage surfaced this week of O’Sullivan wowing a small group of onlookers by putting together a 147 break in just six minutes and 24 seconds.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

He received a loud round of applause for the feat, which was not far off his competitive 147 record set against Mick Price back in the 1997 World Snooker Championship, which only took him five minutes and eight seconds.

His superb display of skill demonstrated that he is in razor sharp form, resulting in plenty of clamour on social media as fans took it as a sign that he will return in time for the Crucible. “Looks like he’s hitting the ball great,” one X user pointed out.

Another tweeted: “He can still play a bit then…,” while a third added: “Another masterclass. Nobody makes it look as effortless as Ronnie.”

Others chimed in with: “I mean he seems to be doing alright here!!!” and: “He is unbelievable. Rocket all the way!!!”

O’Sullivan’s latest showing backs up his manager’s recent comments about him finally finding a cue that he’s happy with. Jason Francis was asked by Phil Seymour this week: "As Ronnie O’Sullivan’s snooker manager, will Ronnie O’Sullivan be playing in the World Championship at the Crucible this year?"

Francis provided a major update, replying: "Listen, if I had a pound (for every time I was asked that) then I wouldn’t need to be doing any of this. Obviously so many people are asking me. We spent the day together last Thursday going over some stuff.

"He seems to have a cue that he’s happy with. He is hitting balls. But he’s said nothing different to me than he’s said to everyone else. He will decide, last minute, whether he wants to go. The only thing I’ve said is that, if you’re going to go, then you have to go and give it everything.

"This is the World Championship. But if you don’t feel right, and if it's mental health or anxiety, bear in mind I’ve been party to see this. It's not just something that affects Ronnie.

"All of us know that Ronnie is his own man and will make his own decision. As a snooker fan we’d love him to play there. But it has to be at what cost to his mental health."