Ronnie O’Sullivan will be return to competing on the World Seniors Snooker Tour in December to play in the British Open in Derby.

The Rocket made his debut on the over-40s circuit in May when he won the World Seniors Championship at the Crucible, beating Joe Perry 10-4 in the final.

Perry is the defending champion in Derby on December 27-28, but it will be a tougher task to lift the trophy this year with O’Sullivan playing in the tournament for the first time.

Former UK champion Stephen Maguire has also signed up to play at the British Seniors Open, while regulars like Jimmy White and Ken Doherty will also be involved.

12-time Women’s World Championship winner Reanne Evans is also in the field, as is former Seniors champ Mark Davis.

O’Sullivan talked up the venue for the event, Vaillant Live, as he confirmed his attendance, saying: ‘Derby was always an annual visit on the tour when I was first playing, and the Assembly Rooms was a great venue – Vaillant Live looks even better!

‘I am looking forward to going back there for the British Seniors Open this Christmas. They’ve always loved their snooker in Derby.’

There remains one more spot in the eight-player field to be filled, with World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis expecting plenty of interest now the Rocket has signed up.

‘Last year was the return of snooker to the city and look how Derby welcomed us in person and over 4 million watched on Channel 5,’ he said.

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‘Just imagine what it’s going to be like this year with the World Seniors champion in town… I think a lot of people will be adding to their wish list for Christmas presents today so get your tickets quick!’

The 50-year-old went into his first World Seniors Championship as the runaway favourite and duly lifted the trophy in Sheffield, but insisted it had been a test for him as he beat Doherty, Peter Lines, Rob Milkins and Perry along the way.

‘This has been a tough tournament! These guys are experienced competitors so I’ve really had to dig deep and I didn’t expect that I’d have to. It’s been a great week,’ he said in May.

‘Joe (Perry) could definitely still compete on the Tour if he wanted to, but he’s enjoying his career doing punditry and everyone loves watching him do what he does there. He’s been a great servant and a great ambassador to the sport” he added.

‘I just want to enjoy the game and attack the balls. I’ve not been playing great for three years now and my confidence has been low, but if I can gain some confidence then I’d like to finish my career on a strong note – that’s my ambition.’

The Rocket has been struggling for results of late on the professional tour but is still ranked number 13 in the world and has qualified for next month’s Champion of Champions thanks to his World Seniors Championship win.

He is due to play in that event in Leicester and then the UK Championship in York, before his next Seniors engagement in December.