FIVE-TIMES world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has been an awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours List.

O’Sullivan, one of the most gifted and talented players the sport has ever seen, has been awarded the honour for his services to snooker.

His full name ‘Ronald Antonio O’Sullivan’ appears in the full list which was released on Wednesday.

O’Sullivan is quoted on the Daily Mail’s website as saying: “I am extremely grateful for this recognition which is a great honour and has made both myself and my family very proud. It came as a great surprise.”

The 40-year-old will return to the cameras for the first time in more than seven months when he takes part in the Dafabet Masters which starts on January 10