Ronnie O’Sullivan has decided to extend his break from snooker by withdrawing from next week’s British Open due to health concerns. The World Snooker Tour confirmed the news on Tuesday. Seven-time world champion O’Sullivan was scheduled to compete against Sanderson Lam in the opening round next Monday before he pulled out. The specifics of his medical condition remain undisclosed at present.
The WST issued a statement saying: “Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled out of next week’s Unibet British Open for medical reasons. O’Sullivan was due to face Sanderson Lam in the opening round on Monday September 22nd at 7pm. He has been replaced in the draw by the highest available player from the 2025 Q School ranking list, Daniel Womersley.”
‘The Rocket’, aged 49, hasn’t participated in any tournament since the Saudi Arabia Masters in mid-August and is also missing from this week’s ongoing English Open.
On Monday, O’Sullivan shared a video on Instagram showing him engaged in rigorous exercises, captioning it: “Exercise is so important to me. Not just for the body, but for my mindset too.”
His withdrawal will disappoint British fans eager to see him perform, while Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn concedes that his absence will impact TV ratings.
Despite being selective about his tournaments at this stage of his career, O’Sullivan has had a near-miss with victory this year, having been defeated by Kyren Wilson in the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals.
He was just one frame away from clinching the £500,000 jackpot in the Saudi Arabia Masters, losing 10-9 to Neil Robertson.
The British Open is set to take place at Cheltenham Racecourse and will run from 22nd to 28th September.
Discussing his health back in February, O’Sullivan declared that prioritising his health and well-being has necessitated some last-minute decisions not to play tournaments.
He said: “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.”