Ronnie O’Sullivan confirms reason to withdraw from German Masters Ronnie O’Sullivan Sullivan has confirmed his expected withdrawal from the German Masters, saying: “I have to put my health and well-being first.”
Rocket has been in scintillating form this season, winning the Shanghai Masters UK Championship, the Masters and the World Grand Prix.
The World No. 1 has so many wins and has confirmed during his run to the World Grand Prix title that he plans to take a short break from tournaments.
The German Masters start in Berlin on Monday and on Friday afternoon O’Sullivan confirmed he would not be taking part.
“Hey guys, just wanted to let my fans in Germany know that unfortunately I have decided to withdraw from the German Masters next week,” Rocket posted on social media.
“I love the event and the fans in Germany, but I have to prioritize my health and well-being. This season has been tiring and challenging for me so far, regardless of how it looks with tournament wins, so I hope you understand.
“Sorry I’m not here and I hope to see you soon.”
Barry Pinches takes O’Sullivan’s place in German Masters draw to play Julien Leclercq.
Speaking at the Grand Prix in Leicester, O’Sullivan said: “I’m going to miss a few tournaments after this. I really shouldn’t have even come here to be honest with you, but I thought I deserved to be here to get in. , in hindsight I should have just saved it too, but I’m here now so I’ll do my best.
“I’m trying to get to the Chinese event because I like Chinese events and I have plenty of time until the next ITV event.”
“I’m going to try to play in it [The Players Championship] because it’s a pretty decent tournament.”
The Rocket qualified for the World Open in Yushan by defeating Alfie Burden in a Barnsley qualifier on Tuesday. taking his season total to 31 wins and only three losses.
The 48-year-old has now won 15 matches on tour and is likely to be next in action at the Players Championship in Telford, which starts on February 19, skipping the Welsh Open a week earlier in Llandudno.
Martin Gould and Hossein Vafaei are still not among the German champions due to medical reasons and visa problems.
Gould had to play John Higgins in the second round and now Higgins gets a bye, while Vafaei plays Elliot Slessor in the same stage and Slessor also gets a last 32 bye.
Gould also withdrew from qualifying for the Welsh Open for medical reasons and was replaced in that draw by Sydney Wilson..