Ronnie O’Sullivan returned to Snooker and secured Ali Carter a one-frame lead after the opening session of the first round of the World Championship match.
O’Sullivan, 49, was uncompetitive since January snapped the cue and threw it into the bin following four losses in five matches at the Championship League event.
He then retracted from many tournaments, including the Masters, the Wales Open, and the Grand Prix, saying that his health and happiness must be prioritized.
However, the seven-time world champion recovered from losing the opening frame and gained a 5-4 advantage.
He hit a 107 break and moved forward 3-1 with the 1,283rd century break of his career and the 208th break in the crucible. He had another century chance, but only twirling around at 85 after missing a red in his middle pocket.
O’Sullivan got a 6-3 advantage on the course, but missed a long red at 46-5 ahead 46-5, recovering for Carter to score the final frame of the session.
Before the tournament, O’Sullivan recorded his mental health struggle to BBC Sport, saying, “To come here is an achievement in itself for me.”
No player has won a world title in the eighth modern innings as O’Sullivan aims to avoid Stephen Hendry’s seven successes.
