Ronnie O’Sullivan has announced that he will not be taking part in the upcoming German Masters in order to look after his ‘health and wellbeing’. The Rocket has been very active over the last few months, winning the UK Championship, Masters and World Grand Prix in the space of just 50 days.
O’Sullivan was due to appear at the German Masters, which is set to get underway at the end of this month, in order to ramp up his preparations for the World Snooker Championship in May. However, the 48-year-old has revealed that he will be missing the event as he looks to recover from what has been a ‘tiring and challenging’ season thus far.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: “Hi guys, I just want to let my fans in Germany know that sadly I’ve decided to withdraw from the German Masters next week.
“I love the event and my fans in Germany but I have to make my health and wellbeing the priority. It’s been a tiring and challenging season for me so far, despite how it may seem with the tournament wins, so hope you understand. I’m sorry I won’t be there and I hope to see you all soon.”
It comes after O’Sullivan’s father hit out at the ‘barbaric’ treatment of his son, who was given just 48 hours to recover from winning the World Grand Prix final before returning to action in a World Open qualifier earlier this week. The Rocket’s congested run of games sparked fury from his dad, who took to social media to make his feelings known as part of a scathing rant.
“Win a big tournament and given 24 hours to recover is barbaric,” he wrote. “Then with no sleep or rest or preparation travel to Barnsley for one game to qualify for the tournament in China. It’s not good at all.”
O’Sullivan’s father went on to aim a thinly-veiled dig at snooker chief Barry Hearn, adding: ” Top 16 should automatically go to China. No rewards. Because baz earner loves good or bad publicity as it’s all the same to him. Especially when a top seed goes out because of fatigue.
“Every pro in any sport needs time to recover. Baz earner and the hamster wheel. China want to know who’s coming over to play so they can promote the tournament and get players’ logos to wear promoting their companies. Barbaric system created by WST and the Gestapo that are killing the players.”
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