Ronnie O’Sullivan has announced his withdrawal from this week’s Champion of Champions in Bolton.
The reigning champion was due to begin his defence on Wednesday with a last-16 encounter against Zhang Anda.
But the Rocket took to social media on Tuesday morning to reveal that he will not be participating in the 2023 edition of the prestigious invitational.
“Hi guys, just wanted to let you know I’m unfortunately withdrawing from the Champions of Champions event tomorrow,” Ronnie O’Sullivan wrote on social media platform X.
“Mentally I feel a bit drained and stressed and I want to look after my mental health and my body.”
“I’m sorry to all the fans but I’ll be back stronger.”
O’Sullivan beat Judd Trump in last year’s final to win the tournament for a record fourth time.
The 47 year-old participated in the International Championship in China last week where he reached the semi-finals, losing to eventual champion Zhang.
Appearances in the English Open and Wuhan Open in October came shortly after his triumph at the Shanghai Masters.
However, O’Sullivan has also withdrawn from several other tournaments during this campaign – including the European Masters, the British Open, and the Northern Ireland Open.
Six reds world champion Ding Junhui will replace O’Sullivan in the Champion of Champions draw.
The world no.17 had provisionally been in line to receive an invitation before Zhang’s maiden ranking success in Tianjin on Sunday.
The Champion of Champions got under way on Monday, meanwhile, with Mark Allen becoming the first player through to the semi-finals.
A champion three years ago, Allen beat Jimmy White 4-1 and Ali Carter 6-2 to get off to a strong start in the competition.
World champion Luca Brecel is in action on Tuesday against Barry Hawkins, with the winner to face either Mark Williams or Robert Milkins.
2023 Champion of Champions
Monday (Group 4)
Last 16 (bo7)
Mark Allen 4-1 Jimmy White
Mark Selby 3-4 Ali Carter
Quarter-Final (bo11)
Mark Allen 6-2 Ali Carter
Tuesday (Group 2)
Last 16 (bo7)
Luca Brecel 0-4 Barry Hawkins
Mark Williams 2-4 Robert Milkins
Quarter-Final (bo11)
Barry Hawkins 6-2 Robert Milkins
Wednesday (Group 1)
Last 16 (bo7)
John Higgins 4-0 Chris Wakelin
Ding Junhui 4-3 Zhang Anda
Quarter-Final (bo11)
John Higgins 6-1 Ding Junhui
Thursday (Group 3)
Last 16 (bo7)
Judd Trump 4-0 Baipat Siripaporn
Shaun Murphy 4-1 Gary Wilson
Quarter-Final (bo11)
Judd Trump 6-4 Shaun Murphy
Friday
Semi-Final (bo11)
Barry Hawkins 3-6 Judd Trump
Saturday
Semi-Final (bo11)
John Higgins 2-6 Mark Allen
Sunday
Final (bo19)
Judd Trump 3-10 Mark Allen
Featured photo credit: WST
Does Ding get his jersey? Or will he have to play in O’Sullivan’s?
Ha, I’m sure they can put something together.
I do feel O’Sullivan looked jaded during the latter part of the International Championship. While David Hendon said the tennis elbow is genuine on the latest episode of the podcast.