Ronnie O’Sullivan confirms return to Seniors tour alongside fellow snooker legends

Ronnie O’Sullivan will be return to competing on the World Seniors Snooker Tour in December to play in the British Open in Derby.

The Rocket made his debut on the over-40s circuit in May when he won the World Seniors Championship at the Crucible, beating Joe Perry 10-4 in the final.

Perry is the defending champion in Derby on December 27-28, but it will be a tougher task to lift the trophy this year with O’Sullivan playing in the tournament for the first time.

Former UK champion Stephen Maguire has also signed up to play at the British Seniors Open, while regulars like Jimmy White and Ken Doherty will also be involved.

12-time Women’s World Championship winner Reanne Evans is also in the field, as is former Seniors champ Mark Davis.

O’Sullivan talked up the venue for the event, Vaillant Live, as he confirmed his attendance, saying: ‘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!

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‘I am looking forward to going back there for the British Seniors Open this Christmas. They’ve always loved their snooker in Derby.’

There remains one more spot in the eight-player field to be filled, with World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis expecting plenty of interest now the Rocket has signed up.

‘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!’

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