Snooker fans were left disappointed as the British Open will not feature the renowned Ronnie O’Sullivan this year. The 48-year-old made a last-minute decision to withdraw from the tournament just hours before his scheduled match against Manasawin Phetmalaikul. This unexpected news came as a shock to many, as O’Sullivan had been considered a strong contender to make a significant impact at the event, which is taking place at the Centaur Arena in Cheltenham. In his absence, Lewis Ullah has stepped in to replace him in the official schedule.
The seven-time world champion’s absence is a significant blow to the competition, with O’Sullivan missing out on the opportunity to vie for the prestigious British Open crown. His withdrawal was confirmed as he was replaced by Ullah on the WST tournament schedule, leaving fans and fellow players alike surprised by the turn of events.
Despite O’Sullivan’s absence, the tournament boasts a stellar line-up of top players, including defending champion Mark Williams, Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Allen. These players will now have an even greater chance to showcase their skills and compete for the coveted title in O’Sullivan’s absence.
This is not the first time O’Sullivan has missed the British Open, as he was also unable to participate in the 2023 edition due to medical reasons. His absence for the 2024 tournament was confirmed just before his opening-round match was set to begin, further adding to the disappointment surrounding his withdrawal.
Looking ahead, O’Sullivan will now turn his focus to the Wuhan Open, set to start on October 6, for his return to competitive action. Following his early exit from the English Open last week, the world No. 4 will be eager to bounce back and regain his form on the snooker circuit.
Reflecting on his recent performances, O’Sullivan has openly expressed his frustrations, particularly after his defeat to He Guoqiang at the English Open, which he described as “awful” and “embarrassing.” Despite these setbacks, O’Sullivan remains determined to make a comeback and rediscover his winning ways in the upcoming tournaments.
In a candid moment, O’Sullivan shared his thoughts on his recent struggles, stating, “Forget about the Worlds. I’m not even bothered to be honest with you, if I’m going to play rubbish I might as well play left-handed.” He continued, “Play left-handed and enjoy it, but be useless, or play right-handed, be useless and not enjoy it.”
While O’Sullivan’s recent performances may have been underwhelming, his track record as a formidable player is undeniable. With one more Crucible title needed to surpass Stephen Hendry’s joint-record of seven titles and become the most successful player at the event, O’Sullivan’s determination and drive to succeed remain unwavering.
Despite his recent struggles, O’Sullivan’s winning form is not too distant a memory, as he was recognized for his outstanding achievements with the World Snooker Tour player of the year award in May. His remarkable five-title campaign was a testament to his skill and prowess on the snooker table, further solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greatest players.
As fans eagerly anticipate the return of O’Sullivan to competitive action, they can continue to enjoy top snooker action by streaming live and on-demand on discovery+. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting matches as the season progresses.
