ROCKET CAN FIRE AFTER BIG BREAK

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

- Shane MacDermott

The Rocket is gunning for a record eighth Crucible crown when the showpiece kicks off on Saturday.

Doubts remain in some quarters over the world No.5’s ability to take home the trophy due to a lack of match sharpness since snapping his cue in anger three months ago.

But former world champion Robertson feels O’Sullivan will be confident he can conquer the Crucible once more, having defended his title in 2013 after not playing for a whole year.

The Australian said: “He’s definitely good enough to win it after taking time off. He proved that when he won it for a second year in a row in 2013, when he didn't play for the entire season.