Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from next week's World Grand Prix in Hong Kong due to health reasons.
The seven-time world champion was due to compete in the tournament which begins on Tuesday at Kai Tak Arena.
Tournament organisers received notification of O'Sullivan's withdrawal on Saturday.
The 49-year-old Englishman was scheduled to face China's Si Jiahui in the opening round on Wednesday.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of the World Grand Prix
PA
This marks the latest in a series of tournament withdrawals for the snooker legend.
Hossein Vafaei, the world No 33, will replace O'Sullivan in the event and face Si Jiahui.
O'Sullivan expressed his disappointment about missing the Hong Kong event.
"I am very disappointed not to be competing," he said.
"I had been eager to make my comeback in Hong Kong and have put in my utmost effort, but unfortunately must consider my health."
The snooker star also thanked the tournament organisers and fans.
"I wish to sincerely thank the organisers and all the Hong Kong fans for their support," O'Sullivan added.
O'Sullivan has been absent from competition since January when he snapped his cue during his Championship League exit.
He dramatically withdrew from the Masters just over a day before his scheduled clash with John Higgins.
Since then, he has also pulled out of the Welsh Open and German Masters.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of several tournaments in a row now
PA
In February, O'Sullivan apologised to fans on social media for his withdrawals.
He stated he was "trying to prioritise my health and well-being, which sometimes means making last-minute decisions not to play".
O'Sullivan will not be in action again until the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, which runs from April 19 to May 5.
He is currently ranked 24th on the one-year list, which is based on prize money collected this season.
This ranking means he cannot qualify for the upcoming Players Championship and Tour Championship.
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These events are limited to the top 16 and top eight players respectively.
O'Sullivan has withdrawn from nine events this season since it began in July.
O'Sullivan is yet to win a tournament this season despite reaching several semi-finals.
He made it to the final four at the Xi'an Grand Prix, Shanghai Masters and Riyadh Season Championship earlier in the 2024/25 campaign.
