Anxiety-induced stage fright is the reason Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew from the Welsh Open the following week. “It’s not something I can predict or control, but I try to manage it as best I can,” O’Sullivan said.
Having already won the Masters and World Grand Prix in 2024, O’Sullivan is poised to complete snooker’s ‘Triple Crown’ when the World Championship begins on April 20.
Although the 48-year-old world No. 1 was supposed to play Liam Graham on Monday, he has stated he will stick to his job as a Llandudno analyst.
O’Sullivan has frequently expressed his exhaustion from the demanding pace of snooker, and he has declared that he will not be participating in the Wales Open the following week.
“Good morning, gentlemen. “I would like to inform you that I have decided not to play in Llandudno the following week,” O’Sullivan said early on Saturday morning on X, which was previously Twitter.
It’s difficult to describe, but anxiety has occasionally caused me to experience stage fright for years. I do my best to manage it, but it’s not something I can predict or control.
“I apologize to everyone who purchased tickets, but at this time, I feel like this is the best thing for me, and I just can’t get my cue out.”
“I still want to be around the tournament, so I’ll be doing some work with Eurosport, and I hope to see you all there.”
Together with the Champion of Champions competition in Bolton in November, O’Sullivan has chosen not to compete in seven ranking events this season, including the Welsh Open.
Despite his ongoing success on the table, O’Sullivan emphasized the need to concentrate on his “health and wellbeing” after withdrawing from the German Masters in January.
The board that oversees his sport has opened an investigation into him due to remarks he made concerning unofficial exhibition matches and a profanity-filled tirade he directed at opponent Ali Carter after winning the Masters final in January.
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