CHELTENHAM, England — Seven-time world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the 2024 British Open, citing “medical reasons,” the World Snooker Tour (WST) announced on Tuesday, casting a shadow over the start of the season’s second ranking event.
The 48-year-old snooker legend, who is the current world number one and reigning UK and Masters champion, was scheduled to face Welshman Jackson Page in his opening match on Tuesday afternoon in Cheltenham. His sudden withdrawal was confirmed just hours before the match was set to begin, with the WST stating the decision was made on the advice of O’Sullivan’s doctor.
In a brief statement, a WST spokesperson said:
"Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Cazoo British Open for medical reasons and will not be playing in Cheltenham today. We send Ronnie our best wishes and hope he makes a speedy recovery."
O’Sullivan’s longtime manager, Django Fung, provided a small amount of additional context, telling reporters:
"Ronnie has been feeling unwell for a few days and his doctor advised him to rest. It’s nothing serious, but he needs to take it easy. He sends his apologies to the fans."
A Pattern of Withdrawals
This is not the first time “The Rocket” has pulled out of a tournament citing health concerns. Throughout his illustrious career, O’Sullivan has been open about his struggles with mental health, anxiety, and the physical toll of the tour. His relationship with the demanding snooker schedule has often been fraught, leading to several high-profile withdrawals.
Just last season, he withdrew from the Championship League and the European Masters, and he has frequently expressed a desire to pick and choose the events he competes in to preserve his longevity and love for the game. This latest withdrawal follows a pattern that has become familiar to snooker fans, though it is always met with concern for the player’s well-being.
Tournament Impact
O’Sullivan’s absence is a significant blow to the British Open, which is being held at the Centaur Arena in Cheltenham. As the sport’s biggest box-office draw, his matches guarantee large television audiences and packed crowds. His first-round opponent, Jackson Page, receives a bye into the second round and will face either Ben Woollaston or Stuart Carrington.
The tournament, which features a random draw after every round, loses a major storyline without its top star. O’Sullivan’s potential path through the event was a key narrative, and his withdrawal inevitably dampens some of the excitement surrounding the competition. Other top players, including world champion Kyren Wilson and Judd Trump, remain in the field, but the spotlight invariably dims without the charismatic and mercurial O’Sullivan.
Fan and Pundit Reaction
Reaction from the snooker community was swift, with an outpouring of support for O’Sullivan’s health taking precedence over any competitive disappointment. On social media, the prevailing sentiment was one of understanding and well-wishing.
Snooker commentator and former professional Phil Yates noted the familiar dilemma, stating:
"While it’s a huge shame for the tournament, Ronnie’s health must always come first. He knows his body and mind better than anyone."
Many fans echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the issue is minor and that he will be fit to compete in upcoming marquee events. The snooker calendar is relentless, and the next major tournament is the prestigious Northern Ireland Open in just a few weeks' time.
Looking Ahead: The Season’s Demands
O’Sullivan’s withdrawal highlights the intense physical and mental demands of the professional snooker tour. The season is a grueling marathon of events spanning the globe, and for a player of O’Sullivan’s age and stature, managing his schedule is paramount. His recent success—winning five titles last season including the UK Championship and the Masters—proves that his selective approach is effective, but it requires difficult decisions like this one.
Key events on the horizon where fans will eagerly expect to see O’Sullivan include:
- The Northern Ireland Open (October 20-27)
- The Champion of Champions (November 4-10)
- The UK Championship in York (November 19 - December 1)
- The Masters (January 12-19, 2025)
His participation in these tournaments will be heavily dependent on his recovery and his ongoing management of his well-being. The snooker world will be holding its breath, hoping its greatest ever player returns to the table soon, fit, healthy, and ready to add more chapters to his legendary career.
For now, the focus remains squarely on O’Sullivan’s health. The WST’s statement made no indication of the specific nature of the medical issue, and it is unclear if it is a recurrence of a previous problem or a new ailment. The hope throughout the sport is for a swift and complete recovery for the man who continues to be the undeniable heartbeat of modern snooker.
