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.
“After the world champs, I was doing exhibitions in Wales, around the end of May or June. I was in the gym and normally I’d go for a 10kg weight and it’d be alright.
“The other guy was using them and I thought I’ll use the 12kg weight instead. I went like that and it was heavy.
“I went to get a cup of tea afterwards and I could only get my arm up here.
“That’s when the problem started again.
“So, it has been about a year now where I’ve had a really bad problem with it.”