Ronnie O’Sullivan declared, “I have to make my health and wellbeing the priority,” confirming his anticipated retirement from the German Masters.
This season, the Rocket has been unstoppable, taking home the World Grand Prix, Shanghai Masters, UK Championship, and Masters titles.
The world number one has a packed schedule thanks to his numerous triumphs, and he made it known during his quest for the World Grand Prix title that he intended to take a brief vacation from competition.
Monday marks the start of the German Masters in Berlin, and O’Sullivan announced on Friday afternoon that he will not be competing.
Hello everyone, The Rocket said on social media, “I just wanted to let my fans in Germany know that sadly I’ve decided to withdraw from the German Masters next week.”
“I adore the occasion and the German fans, but my health and well-being must come first.” Despite what the tournament victories may suggest, I hope you can realize that this season has been demanding and exhausting for me thus far.
I apologize for not being able to make it, and I hope to see you all soon.
In the German Masters draw, Barry Pinches will replace O’Sullivan and face Julien Leclercq.
“I’ll be missing quite a few tournaments now after this,” O’Sullivan stated in a statement during the Grand Prix in Leicester. To be honest with you, I shouldn’t have actually came here, but I felt like I had earned this so I decided to show up. Looking back, I should have simply quit on this one as well. But since I’m here now, I’ll try my hardest.
Since I enjoy attending events in China, I’ll strive to qualify for that one. After that, I’ll essentially be done till the next ITV event.
“That [the Players Championship] seems like a pretty good tournament, so I’ll try to make it.”
After defeating Alfie Burden in a Barnsley qualifier on Tuesday, the Rocket did, in fact, qualify for the World Open in Yushan. This brings his season total to 31 victories and just three losses.
The 48-year-old, who has now won 15 straight games, will probably play in the Players Championship in Telford starting on February 19. It is anticipated that he will miss the Welsh Open in Llandudno the week before.
Martin Gould and Hossein Vafaei are also absent from the German Masters, one for medical reasons and the other owing to a visa issue.
John Higgins, who was scheduled to play Gould in the second round, will now earn a bye. Elliot Slessor, who was scheduled to play Vafaei at the same level, will also receive a bye to the final 32.
Gould also withdrew from the Welsh Open qualifying due to health concerns; Sydney Wilson took his place in that draw.
