RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has indicated he will swerve lucrative exhibition events after his return to form at the World Championship.

The seven-time world champion is through to Round 2 at the Crucible after beating Ali Carter 10-4.

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O'Sullivan arrived at the tournament without a competitive appearance since January.

The Rocket dropped out of several events for medical reasons after snapping his cue at the Championship League.

But he looked like he'd never been away as he thrashed old rival Carter in Sheffield.

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Ronnie's progress means he is rethinking his approach to exhibitions, which have proved a reliable money-maker for the 49-year-old in recent seasons.

He told TNT Sports after beating Carter: "I am going to give myself two years.

"There will be no more exhibitions or distractions off the table. I will help out at the academy in Saudi Arabia.

"I enjoy the work I am doing there. Hopefully we can do something similar in the UK because my true love is to help people and give back.

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"That helps me to learn from other people.

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"Otherwise it will just be tournaments and getting fit."

Prior to his return at the Crucible, O'Sullivan admitted he wasn't sure if he was mentally ready to play competitive snooker again.

But he looked every bit The Rocket we're used to seeing as he blew Carter away, hitting four classy centuries.

Ronnie continued: "I was a bit scared about ­playing.

"It is a daunting venue to play at anyway, but it’s just about getting on the bike again and playing.

"I’m really happy that I’ve done it, even if I’d lost it didn’t matter.

"I’ve made the breakthrough now."

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O'Sullivan will now face Pang Junxu in the second round in Sheffield.

The Chinese star, 25, beat Zhang Anda 10-7 in a tense clash on Wednesday.