Ronnie O'Sullivan has apologised to fans who felt frustrated at his withdrawal from recent events but stressed he must continue to prioritise his health and well-being.
O'Sullivan pulled out of the Welsh Open in Llandudno on Tuesday, just hours before he was scheduled to play his first-round match against Jamie Clarke.
The seven-time world champion has now withdrawn from six ranking tournaments this season. 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 tour since he withdrew midway through his Championship League group in January, snapping his cue after losing four of his five matches.
The 49-year-old subsequently pulled out of the Masters at Alexandra Palace, citing exhaustion after engaging in a gruelling series of exhibition events abroad, and also the German Masters in Berlin.
O'Sullivan, though, maintains he did not take any of those decisions lightly.
"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 to those of you who've been disappointed with me having to pull out of those tournaments," O'Sullivan wrote on X.
"I've been trying to prioritise my health and well-being, which sometimes means making last-minute decisions not to play. It's never an easy decision and I hate letting people down.
"I'm doing what I can to get back to my best, and I'm grateful for all your support and understanding."
