RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has apologised to fans following his latest withdrawal. The Rocket, 49, had been set to be in action at the Welsh Open this week. O'Sullivan was due to face local hero Jamie Clarke in Llandudno. But just hours before the scheduled contest, the seven-time world champion pulled out. His withdrawal followed absences at the Shoot Out, Scottish Open, Masters and German Masters. Referencing his recent withdrawals, four-time Welsh Open champion O'Sullivan wrote on X: "I realise plenty of people who bought tickets to some recent snooker events will have been frustrated when I withdrew.
![[Ronnie O'Sullivan at a snooker semifinal match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ronnie-osullivan-england-reacts-semifinal-965809384_4584d9.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"So I just wanted to say sorry to those of you who’ve been disappointed with me having to pull out of those tournaments. "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. "I’m doing what I can to get back to my best, and I’m grateful for all your support and understanding.".
![[Jamie Clarke chalking his cue at a snooker match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/jamie-clarke-wales-chalks-cue-971179639_0c1091.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS. O'Sullivan hasn't played since snapping his cue during a frustrating Championship League campaign on January 9. The Rocket apologised to opponent Robert Milkins and the ref after twice rapping his cue against the table during the Group 3 match. Clarke, 30, had been excited to face O'Sullivan in Llandudno. Following the Rocket's withdrawal, Clarke said: "Yeah, I was relishing playing him.
“There was 20 per cent a little bit disappointment when I got the phonecall this morning. “Because he’s coming towards the end of his career. You don’t get many chances to play Ronnie. “He picks and chooses his events and rightly so. I was probably more happy than not happy, but it would have been nice to play him.”. O'Sullivan has already pulled out of six ranking tournaments so far this season.
