Rocket boost

Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed his love for snooker has returned – after withdrawing from a number of events this year.

The seven-time world champion opted to miss this season’s Northern Ireland Open, Wuhan Open and Scottish Open.

But he insists the break has helped him refocus his mind and develop a thirst for playing.

Ronnie said: “The last time I enjoyed playing snooker like I have done the last couple of months was when I was 14. I’m actually loving playing.

“It’s quite weird, I played awful last year and pretty terrible at the start of the year, but I won five tournaments last year, [despite] not enjoying playing.

“Then I took a couple of months off, figured out a couple of things about the game and I’m really enjoying it, loving the game.”

Going for gold

Players at this year’s tournament could walk away with $1million if they perform a special 167 clearance.

Officials in Riyadh have added a new ‘golden ball’ worth 20 points.

It increases the traditional score of a maximum break of 147 to 167.

Rocket Ronnie is chasing the cash but could be denied the money if another player beats him to the milestone.

O’Sullivan’s match is fourth today on the schedule, with Mark Allen, Kyren Wilson, Luca Brecel and Judd Trump all getting on the baize before him.