ROCKET SET
Ronnie O’Sullivan statement confirms return date after pulling out of SIX tournaments as he reveals reason for break
O'Sullivan is looking forward to returning to a place that 'blows him away'
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has revealed he will return to action at the World Grand Prix.
The Rocket has not played since early January, when he first withdrew from a tournament at the Masters.
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O'Sullivan subsequently withdrew from the German Masters, Welsh Open and World Open, all on the eve of the tournament getting underway.
That raised concerns O'Sullivan would miss the remainder of the season, including the World Snooker Championship which begins in April.
However the world number four has quelled those fears by revealing his comeback date, as well as the reason why he has been missing from action in recent weeks.
He said: "I am really looking forward to coming to Hong Kong to play in the World Grand Prix.
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"I have just been having a little break to keep myself fresh. I am excited to see you all."
O'Sullivan missed a number of tournaments on "medical grounds" as the seven-time world champion prioritised his health.
He added: "I've been trying to prioritise my health and well-being, which sometimes means making last-minute decisions not to play.
"It's never an easy decision and I hate letting people down. I'm doing what I can to get back to my best, and I'm grateful for all your support and understanding."
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O'Sullivan will make his return on March 4 at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, where he has residency.
He has made no secret of his love of playing in China in the past, preferring the venues in the Far East to the leisure centres where some UK tournaments are held.
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O'Sullivan said of playing in China: "I always tell people you have to come to China. For me, it’s the greatest place on Earth.
"I would just recommend anybody to just come to China. It blows me away. Every city I come to in China … it’s like you’re in another world.
"It’s the best place in the world. There is no other place like China. Every city just has something amazing about it and Nanjing has a lot of history."
Inside Ronnie's colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O'Sullivan has three children - two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket's on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O'Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded 'snooker's greatest feud'.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous 'Snotgate' row.
Check out all our latest Ronnie O'Sullivan articles.
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