Ronnie O'Sullivan has released a statement confirming he's withdrawing from the German Masters.
The Rocket has had a hectic start to the year, beating Ali Carter in the final of Masters before getting the better of Judd Trump in recent World Grand Prix.
O'Sullivan and his father have, however, been critical of the snooker schedule with Barry Hearn copping plenty of flak.
And the 48-year-old has now taken to X to confirm he'll be withdrawing from the German Masters, with the snooker star keen to make 'health and wellbeing' his priority.
Just a quick note from me… pic.twitter.com/aOCm3U4NF6
— Ronnie O'Sullivan (@ronnieo147) January 26, 2024
"Hi guys, I just want to let my fans in Germany know that sadly I've decided to withdraw from the German Masters next week," he said.
"I love the event and my fans in Germany but I have to make my health and wellbeing the priority.
"It's been a tiring and challenging season for me so far, despite how it may seem with the tournament wins, so hope you understand.
"I'm sorry I won't be there and I hope to see you all soon."
Fans have responded to O'Sullivan and backed his decision to withdraw.
"Your health comes first, Ronnie," said one user, who accompanied their message with a thumbs up emoji.
"All the best Ronnie, get plenty of rest and come back fresh for 8-8-8," he said.
A third stated: "No problem Ronnie, the main thing is that you come back to Hamm this year."
A fourth messaged O'Sullivan by saying: "Hope you are doing well. Take the time you need to be back at 100 per cent both physical and mental.'
And a fifth said: "Stay cool and groovy Ronnie we are right behind you."
O'Sullivan was ill during his recent Masters triumph.
And Carter accused the snooker star of 'snotting all over the floor' in the aftermath of his defeat.
O'Sullivan was furious with the comments from his rival, however, and said Carter needed to 'sort his f******g life out'.
"[Carter] needs to sort his f*****g life out," he raged.
"I'm not going to skirt around it anymore, tip-toeing on eggshells around someone like that. He's a f*****g nightmare.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan won't be playing in Germany having issued a statement confirming his withdrawal
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"Playing snooker against someone like that is a nightmare.
"He's not a nice person. It's not a nice vibe he leaves around the table.
"I've said my piece, I don't give a s**t. I've said it now, done. You know what he's like, everybody knows what he's like.
"He's got issues. F*****g why has he got issues with me? I'm not having it.
"I don't care, grow some balls. I don't give a f**k about any of these snooker players, any of them.
"The more he brings it on, the more I f*****g punish him every time.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is burned out having won two titles in 2024 so far
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"He's just digging a grave for himself. I don't give a f**k. That's it, I've said my piece."
He added: "He's got beef with me. He's got issues, he's got to sort his life out, he's got to see a counsellor or something.
"He's got to sort it out because I haven't spoken to him for 20 years.
"I played with him when he was a kid and shared a lot of stuff with him.
"For him to come out and try to trash talk me like that, do you know what?
"He can have one of them (a middle finger gesture), he can sit on it as far as I'm concerned."
