Ronnie O'Sullivan has issued an apology to snooker fans following his recent string of tournament withdrawals, stressing the need to prioritise his health and well-being.
The seven-time world champion took to social media minutes ago to address supporters' frustrations after pulling out of multiple events this season.
The 49-year-old expressed regret over disappointing ticket holders with his last-minute decisions not to compete in several tournaments.
O'Sullivan's withdrawal from the Welsh Open in Llandudno on Tuesday marked his sixth ranking tournament absence this season.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has admitted regret over pulling out of so many tournaments recently
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He had previously missed the British Open, Wuhan Open, Northern Ireland Open and Scottish Open in late 2024, citing medical grounds.
His first tournament appearance of 2025 at the UK Championship ended in a first-round defeat.
He subsequently entered the Championship League but withdrew with one match remaining, before also pulling out of both The Masters and German Masters.
O'Sullivan's Championship League exit came after losing four of his five matches and dramatically snapping his cue.
His withdrawal from the Masters at Alexandra Palace was attributed to exhaustion following an intensive schedule of exhibition events abroad.
Fellow player John Higgins suggested O'Sullivan might be working behind the scenes with new equipment, stating: "I think he'll be back... he'll be putting the hours in behind the scenes and getting himself ready for the last part of the season."
In his social media statement, O'Sullivan wrote: "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.
"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."
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Ronnie O'Sullivan is set to play next at the World Open later this month
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"I'm doing what I can to get back to my best, and I'm grateful for all your support and understanding."
O'Sullivan is scheduled to make his competitive return at the World Open in Yushan, China later this month.
The tournament will mark his first appearance since his Welsh Open withdrawal, with his opening match set against Stuart Carrington.
The match is scheduled for the opening morning of February 23rd.
