Ronnie O'Sullivan withdraws from British Open due to 'medical reasons'

21/09/2023 19:19

2023 World Snooker Shanghai Masters - Day 2 — Ronnie O’Sullivan is maintaining a light schedule early in the season (Picture: Getty Images)

Ronnie O’Sullivan will not be playing at the British Open next week in Cheltenham, withdrawing from the event due to ‘medical reasons’.

The world number one won the Shanghai Masters last week impressively, beating Ali Carter, John Higgins, Mark Selby and then world champion Luca Brecel in the final.

However, he will not be playing his scheduled match with Jimmy Robertson in Cheltenham on Monday.

A World Snooker Tour statement on Thursday read: ‘Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of next week's Cazoo British Open for medical reasons.

‘The world number one was due to face Jimmy Robertson in the opening round on Monday, but instead he has been replaced in the draw by Steven Hallworth.’

It is a recurring theme for the Rocket, who withdrew from the European Masters in August, with ‘medical reasons’ cited then as well.

O’Sullivan is due to be back in action at the English Open on 2 October in the opening round of the English Open in Brentwood.