RONNIE: I COULD STILL PULL OUT

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has revealed he could still pull out of the World Championship if he has another meltdown.

- BY SHANE MACDERMOTT

The Rocket (49) has not played competitively since he "lost the plot" and snapped his cue in frustration at the behind-closed-doors Championship League in January.

Snooker's biggest star has been riddled with bouts of "stage fright" and self-doubt this season and there is no bigger mental test in the sport than the 17-day marathon at the Crucible.

And the seven-time Crucible King amazingly reckons he's "lost his bottle" despite achieving more than any other player in history during his illustrious 33-year career.

O'Sullivan landed in Sheffield yesterday for the pre-event Green Carpet ceremony and cut a subdued figure during his rounds with the media.

But most telling was the Rocket revealed he will have renowned sports psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters in his corner during his tilt for a record eighth title, like he did during the last four times he climbed the Crucible mountain.