Ronnie O'Sullivan will return to the World Seniors Snooker Tour in December to compete in the British Seniors Open in Derby. It will be his first appearance in the tournament, which takes place on December 27-28.
O'Sullivan made his debut on the over-40s circuit in May, winning the World Seniors Championship at the Crucible with a 10-4 victory over Joe Perry in the final.
Star-Studded Field in Derby
Perry is the defending champion in Derby, but faces a tougher task this year with O'Sullivan in the field. Former UK champion Stephen Maguire has also signed up to play, while regulars Jimmy White and Ken Doherty will be involved.
Reanne Evans, a 12-time Women's World Championship winner, is also entered, along with former Seniors champion Mark Davis. One spot remains in the eight-player field.
O'Sullivan Praises Derby Venue
O'Sullivan talked up the venue, Vaillant Live, as he confirmed his attendance: 'Derby was always an annual visit on the tour when I was first playing, and the Assembly Rooms was a great venue – Vaillant Live looks even better!'
'I am looking forward to going back there for the British Seniors Open this Christmas. They've always loved their snooker in Derby.'
World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis expects plenty of interest following O'Sullivan's signing. 'Last year was the return of snooker to the city and look how Derby welcomed us in person and over 4 million watched on Channel 5,' he said.
'Just imagine what it's going to be like this year with the World Seniors champion in town… I think a lot of people will be adding to their wish list for Christmas presents today so get your tickets quick!'
O'Sullivan's Season Ahead
O'Sullivan went into his first World Seniors Championship as the runaway favourite and duly lifted the trophy in Sheffield, but insisted it had been a test for him as he beat Doherty, Peter Lines, Rob Milkins and Perry along the way.
'This has been a tough tournament! These guys are experienced competitors so I've really had to dig deep and I didn't expect that I'd have to. It's been a great week,' he said in May.
'Joe (Perry) could definitely still compete on the Tour if he wanted to, but he's enjoying his career doing punditry and everyone loves watching him do what he does there. He's been a great servant and a great ambassador to the sport,' he added.
'I just want to enjoy the game and attack the balls. I've not been playing great for three years now and my confidence has been low, but if I can gain some confidence then I'd like to finish my career on a strong note – that's my ambition.'
O'Sullivan has struggled for results on the professional tour of late but is still ranked number 13 in the world and has qualified for next month's Champion of Champions thanks to his World Seniors Championship win. He is due to play in that event in Leicester and then the UK Championship in York before his next Seniors engagement in December.
