O'Sullivan Withdraws From Shanghai Masters
RONNIE O’Sullivan has withdrawn from next week’s Shanghai Masters, claiming he needs to spend more time with his young family.
A story confirming O’Sullivan’s withdrawal initially appeared on the World Snooker website on Thursday evening, which claimed he was pulling out of the event due to a back injury.
However, he went on to play in the Premier League event later that same day. The statement was subsequently withdrawn from the World Snooker website.
A new statement was released on Friday, in which O’Sullivan said: "This has been a very difficult decision to make, however I have a very young family and at this moment I need to spend more time with them. I'm truly sorry to my fans in China, I love meeting and playing in front of some of the most passionate people in the world. I very much look forward to returning to China soon."
It is the third time O’Sullivan has withdrawn from a ranking event in China. He also pulled out of the 2008 Bahrain Championship.
Last weekend, O’Sullivan also withdrew from the Paul Hunter Classic in Germany.
World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said: "It's very disappointing for his fans in China but we understand the personal reasons behind Ronnie's withdrawal."