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.
The Rocket apologised to opponent Robert Milkins and the ref after twice rapping his cue against the table during the Group 3 match.
Following the Rocket's withdrawal, Clarke said: "Yeah, I was relishing playing him.
His withdrawal followed absences at the Shoot Out, Scottish Open, Masters and German Masters.
O'Sullivan was due to face local hero Jamie Clarke in Llandudno.
