I hate letting people down - O'Sullivan on withdrawals

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has apologised for withdrawing from recent events, saying he needed to prioritise his health and wellbeing.

O'Sullivan was expected to return to competition in the Welsh Open this week after missing the German Masters, the Masters and matches in the Championship League.

However, the 49-year-old Englishman pulled out on the day of his first-round match against Wales' Jamie Clarke on Tuesday.

"I've been trying to prioritise my health and wellbeing, which sometimes means making last-minute decisions not to play," said O'Sullivan. "It's never an easy decision and I hate letting people down.

"I realise plenty of people who bought tickets to some recent snooker events will have been frustrated when I withdrew, so I just wanted to say sorry.

"I'm doing what I can to get back to my best, and I'm grateful for all your support and understanding."

He is next set to compete in the World Open in Yushan at the end of this month.

O'Sullivan has not played on the World Snooker Tour (WST) since withdrawing midway through his Championship League group in January, snapping his cue after losing four of his five matches.