Ronnie O’Sullivan has decided not to play at the English Open despite it being held minutes away from his hometown. The seven-time world champion recently pulled out of the Wuhan Open, citing medical issues as the reason for his withdrawal. He has abandoned several tournaments over the course of this year, leading to retirement concerns.
Fans were hoping that O’Sullivan would return to action at the English Open, which carries a total prize fund of £550,000. However, he has decided to skip the event with an explanation yet to be provided. That is despite it taking place in Brentwood, which is just a 30-minute drive from his hometown of Chigwell.
Luca Brecel could be handed a match against Jimmy White in the second round, days after the Belgian landed himself in hot water by walking out of his Xi’an Grand Prix qualifier. He could face disciplinary action for quitting the match after just two frames.
O’Sullivan, meanwhile, recently brushed off talk of retirement despite withdrawing from the Wuhan Open. He was quick to dismiss speculation that his illustrious career could be nearing an end.
“I’ve always said I’d be the first to let you know when I’m done, finished or gone or whatever it is,” said The Rocket.
“I was getting written off in 2012 and I played probably my best snooker when I won the World Championship. I did say then: ‘Don’t ever question me. I’ll let you know when I’m done’.”
O’Sullivan had previously insisted he was still competing at the very top because the calibre of emerging talent had declined, suggesting they would struggle even at amateur level.
However, he went back on those claims by acknowledging there were some ‘fantastic players’ which meant he could no longer dominate matches as he once did.
“I’m not done,” he added. “I’m not definitely on a downward curve. At my age playing these youngsters, there are some fantastic players, I’m never going to win like I used to.
“I’m never going to be the favourite for the tournaments. It’s going to be Kyren Wilson, Judd Trump and Zhao Xintong. I’m in that bracket behind where if I play well, I’ve got a chance.
“Maybe rely on one of the top guys to not play well or get beaten. Anything can happen, you know.”
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