Ronnie O'Sullivan says things 'stacked against me' in return to action versus Ali Carter in the World Snooker Championship at The Crucible Theatre

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Ronnie O'Sullivan takes on Ali Carter in the first round of the World Snooker Championship, and the seven-time winner is not confident about his chances after taking an extended break from the sport. Carter v O'Sullivan begins on Tuesday at The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, with the pair sharing a fiery relationship that goes back some years.

O'Sullivan expects 'tough match' against Carter

Video credit: TNT Sports

Ronnie O’Sullivan has issued a downbeat assessment of his chances at the World Championship.

‘The Rocket’ has not played in a ranking event in 2025, with his latest appearance in a competitive match being when he snapped his cue and withdrew from the Championship League in January.

O’Sullivan took time out after withdrawing from the Scottish Open, German Masters, Welsh Open, World Open and World Grand Prix.

He teased the prospect of returning for the World Championship when saying he had been bedding in a new cue and enjoying his practice.

O’Sullivan was drawn to face Ali Carter in round one, and he revealed to TNT Sports that he would make his return at The Crucible.

The match with Carter is on Tuesday and Wednesday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, and leading up to the clash, he will be on punditry duty.

In the first TNT Sports studio segment of the 17 days, O’Sullivan was asked about his practice leading up to the tournament.

"It was good to have some time out," O’Sullivan said. "It’s okay, not great. The cue is fine, it’s just me."

Carter and O’Sullivan have a long-standing rivalry and testy relationship.

Asked for his thoughts on the match, O’Sullivan replied: "It is a tough match.

"Ali is a really good match player, and usually plays well at the Crucible.

"I took time out because my game was pretty awful, so having more time out was probably not the best idea.

"It is kind of stacked against me, but I have to start somewhere."