- O’Sullivan has won the Masters, British Championship and World Grand Prix this season
- However, he has recently spoken about longevity issues and shape concerns
- The 48-year-old asked fans for understanding for his decision not to participate in Berlin
Ronnie O’Sullivan has apologized to fans after withdrawing from the German Masters.
The seven-time world champion and recent Masters winner, who has been locked in a war of words with Masters final opponent Ali Carter, revealed on Friday that he had to put his health first rather than compete too much after an exhausting season.
The competition kicks off in Berlin on Monday, with O’Sullivan among the favorites to win another title.
He has already won the Masters, British Championship and World Grand Prix this season, but will not add the German Masters to his collection after speaking out about his recent troubles.
The 48-year-old took to social media to express his regret at having to withdraw from the tournament, but asked fans to understand his situation.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has apologized to fans after withdrawing from next week’s German Masters
The star cited the need to prioritize his health and well-being as his reason for not participating in the tournament
He has already won the Masters, the UK Championship and the World Grand Prix so far this season
“Hello guys, I would like to let my fans in Germany know that I have unfortunately decided to withdraw from the German Masters next week,” began a message on X, formerly Twitter.
‘I love the event and the fans in Germany, but I have to make my health and well-being the priority. It’s been an exhausting and challenging season for me so far, despite what it may seem like with the tournament wins, so I hope you understand.
“I’m sorry I can’t be there and I hope to see you all again soon.”
The news comes as O’Sullivan was given special permission to coach last year’s China Open qualifiers amid a foot problem.
He had also admitted at the Grand Prix earlier this month that he was unsure how much longer he could play the game at top level despite his success.
The star has struggled with form at times this season despite his success, most recently during his World Open qualifier victory against Alfie Burden earlier this week.
The Brit has recently spoken about longevity issues and concerns about how much longer he can ‘go on’
“I have to consider whether I can continue, feeling how I feel,” O’Sullivan told ITV during the Grand Prix.
“Honestly, it’s a struggle, and the worst part is winning tournaments. If I got excited like this every match in the first round, it would be an easy decision to make, but to be honest, I don’t enjoy it.
“I definitely need a break, but it’s been like this for 25 or 30 years, so it’s nothing different. It’s just the only thing I’ve known and it’s hard not to do this years ago because it’s my job.”
