Remarkably, O’Sullivan was installed as one of the bookmakers’ favourites to succeed at the Crucible, well before even confirming if he would participate.
‘The Rocket’ has not competed on the World Snooker Tour (WST) since he withdrew from his Championship League group and was so frustrated with his game he snapped his cue after losing four of his five matches.
While O’Sullivan has also not played in anything over a best-of-seven match since his first-round defeat by Barry Hawkins at the UK Championship in November, it would be foolish to discount him even if Wilson and Mark Selby are in the same side of the draw.
The Englishman has been an ever-present at the tournament since turning professional in 1992.
Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, O’Sullivan famously defended his world crown in 2013 after playing just one competitive match that term prior to the showpiece event.
Recent footage of him compiling a maximum 147 break in less than seven minutes in practice suggests the 49-year-old is more than capable of delivering a historic triumph to set him apart from Scottish great Stephen Hendry, who also has seven titles.
Back in the winner’s circle and up to third in the world rankings, Scotland’s Higgins is another player from the sport’s famed ‘Class of 92’ who cannot be overlooked.
The four-time champion has appeared rejuvenated since claiming his first ranking title for four years at the World Open in March.
Higgins arrives following another triumph at the Tour Championship where he delivered a vintage display to overcome Selby in a high-quality final.
A proven performer in the long format of the game, Higgins, who turns 50 in May, has the temperament and talent to claim his first world title since winning a fourth in 2011.
In contrast, Williams’ success at the Champion of Champions in November seems in the distant past.
The ‘Welsh potting machine’ has struggled with eyesight issues in recent months and delivered a withering assessment of his chances after losing 10-3 to Ding Junhui in Manchester and in the aftermath of last month’s Players Championship.
“Whoever qualifies is going to be praying they draw me in the first round,” said the 50-year-old.
“For the last six months it has deteriorated quite badly. It was just long ones that were blurry, but now everything is blurry.”
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