Rusty Rocket is backed for Crucible glory

NEIL ROBERTSON believes Ronnie O'Sullivan can win this year’s World Championship — despite not playing since January.

- BY SHANE MacDERMOTT

The Rocket will be gunning for a record eighth Crucible crown on the sport's grandest stage when the showpiece kicks off on Saturday.

Doubt remains in some quarters over the world No.5's ability to rock up and take home the trophy due to a lack of match sharpness since his hiatus after snapping his cue in anger three months ago.

But Robertson feels O'Sullivan will be confident he can conquer the Crucible once more with the memories of when he defended his title in 2013 after not playing for a whole year.