Ronnie O’Sullivan reduced to tears after going to hospital over recurring injury ahead of World Snooker Championship

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN admits he is struggling with an old elbow injury ahead of his Crucible return.

The reigning world snooker champion – whose title defence begins next Saturday – tore a muscle in his right arm lifting weights in the gym two years ago.

The old issue flamed up again last month and it meant he had to pull out of the WST Classic in Leicester.

O’Sullivan, who has not played since March 17, said: “It was a lot worse last weekend. I didn’t think I was going to be able to play at Sheffield as it swelled up.

“I had an injection (on March 30) and I literally had tears in my eyes.

"That’s how much pain I was in.

“The next day, I couldn’t move my arm, I literally had to pick this hand up to put it on the table.

“It started swelling up. I had a bad reaction. So I went back to the hospital, they gave me some antibiotics, in case there was an infection.

“I’ve iced it. It has calmed down. It still feels a bit sore but it’s playable.

“It’s a repetitive strain issue. I got it about two years ago and I tore a muscle. It just wouldn’t go away.

“It’s quite funny because up until the last world championship, it was fine, but it was a bit sore. I could play a shot and I wouldn’t wince.