Ronnie O’Sullivan has announced that he will miss next week’s Welsh Open in Llandudno due to anxiety.
The world number one has had a successful season so far, winning the British Championship, Masters and World Grand Prix. However, his success was increasingly underpinned by health concerns, which caused him to withdraw from a series of events lower down the rankings.
O’Sullivan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Good morning, I would like to inform you that I have decided that I will not be able to play in Llandudno next week.It is difficult to explain, but for many years I have suffered from stage fright from time to time due to anxiety. It’s not something I can predict or control, but I try to deal with it as best I can.
“I’m sorry to everyone who bought tickets, but when I’m in a mood like this it’s hard to cue and I think this is the best thing for me right now. I still want to participate in the tournament, so We look forward to working with Eurosport and meeting everyone.”
The Welsh Open will be the seventh ranking tournament O’Sullivan has chosen not to play this season, along with the Champion of Champions tournament in Bolton in November. After withdrawing from the German Masters in January, O’Sullivan stressed the need to focus on his “health and well-being” despite his continued success on the table.
He was investigated by the sport’s governing body over comments he made about unsanctioned exhibition matches and an expletive-filled rant against rival Ali Carter after winning the Masters final in January, which he described as a “fucking nightmare.” Is receiving.
