Snooker fans were left disappointed once again as seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan pulled out of another major tournament.
The 49-year-old was set to compete in the Welsh Open in Llandudno but withdrew just hours before his first-round match against Jamie Clarke.
This marks yet another absence in what has been a season filled with withdrawals.
A Series of Unexpected Withdrawals
O’Sullivan hasn’t been seen on the professional circuit since January when he exited the Championship League midway through his group matches.
That tournament ended in frustration, with O’Sullivan losing four of his five games before dramatically snapping his cue.
His absence has been noticeable, as he also withdrew from the Masters at Alexandra Palace, forfeiting his first-round match against John Higgins, and skipped the German Masters in Berlin.
With six ranking tournaments missed this season, concerns about his playing future have grown.
O’Sullivan’s Heartfelt Apology
Addressing his fans on social media, O’Sullivan acknowledged the frustration his withdrawals have caused.
“I realise plenty of people who bought tickets to some recent snooker events will have been frustrated when I withdrew, so I just wanted to say sorry to those of you who’ve been disappointed with me having to pull out of those tournaments,” he wrote.
He emphasized that his decisions were made with his well-being in mind.
“I’ve been trying to prioritise my health and well-being, which sometimes means making last-minute decisions not to play.
It’s never an easy decision, and I hate letting people down.
I’m doing what I can to get back to my best, and I’m grateful for all your support and understanding.”
The Toll of a Demanding Schedule
O’Sullivan previously explained that exhaustion played a significant role in his withdrawal from the Masters last month.
After an intense three-week exhibition tour overseas, the toll became too much to handle.
“It was a nightmare decision really to make,” he admitted in an interview with Eurosport.
“I’ve obviously been on this three-week trip, away playing, and I think I just exhausted myself.
(There was) a lot of pressure while I was away, and the build-up of all that kind of got too much.”
He also revealed the moment things took a turn: “I lost the plot on Thursday and snapped my cue, so that’s unplayable.
At that moment, I just knew the right decision was not to play.”
What’s Next for O’Sullivan?
Despite his recent struggles, O’Sullivan is still scheduled to return to action at the end of the month for the World Open in Yushan, China.
Fans will be hoping to see him back in form, but with his recent history of withdrawals, uncertainty remains over whether he will indeed take part.
For now, all eyes are on whether the snooker legend can overcome his setbacks and find his way back to the table.