By Kiera Howard 
Ronnie O’Sullivan pulls out of World Grand Prix in Hong Kong just days before the tournament, raising serious questions about the future of snooker’s most celebrated player.
Tournament officials confirmed on Saturday that the seven-time world champion would not compete, citing “medical reasons” for his absence from the prestigious ranking event.
Table of Contents
Hong Kong Fans Left Disappointed
The inaugural Hong Kong staging of the World Grand Prix (March 4-9) had generated enormous local interest, largely due to O’Sullivan’s expected participation:
- Defending champion from the 2024 tournament where he defeated Judd Trump
- Popular figure in Hong Kong, where he reportedly owns property
- Central figure in all promotional materials
- Strong ticket sales following his participation announcement
The event held particular significance as the first time the tournament was held in Hong Kong, a city where O’Sullivan enjoys immense popularity.
Just weeks ago in February, O’Sullivan had publicly stated: “I am really looking forward to coming to Hong Kong to play in the World Grand Prix. I have just been having a little break to keep myself fresh. I am excited to see you all.”
Short Notice Withdrawal
World Snooker Tour confirmed the withdrawal on March 1, leaving organizers little time to adjust before O’Sullivan’s scheduled opening match against China’s Si Jiahui.
In his statement, O’Sullivan said: “I am very disappointed not to be competing. I had been eager to make my comeback in Hong Kong and have put in my utmost effort but unfortunately must consider my health. I wish to sincerely thank the organisers and all the Hong Kong fans for their support.”
This brief explanation follows the pattern used for his numerous absences this season.
Growing List of Tournament Absences
The Hong Kong withdrawal continues a concerning trend that has defined O’Sullivan’s 2024/25 campaign:
Major Tournaments Missed This Season:
- Masters (January 2025) – Did not defend his title
- German Masters (January/February 2025)
- Welsh Open (February 2025) – Withdrew hours before his match
- World Open in China (February/March 2025)
- Scottish Open (2024/25 season)
- Shoot Out (2024/25 season)
- Three additional ranking events
His only competitive snooker in 2025 has been five matches at the Championship League in Leicester, played without spectators.
During that January event, O’Sullivan snapped his cue in a moment of apparent frustration – an incident that many observers now see as a significant warning sign of his deteriorating relationship with the sport.
Rankings and Financial Impact
The sporting consequences of these withdrawals are becoming increasingly severe:
Missing the Hong Kong event means O’Sullivan now cannot qualify for:
- The Players Championship in Telford
- The Tour Championship in Manchester
These prestigious tournaments offer combined winner’s prizes of £300,000 (£150,000 each).
His ranking position has fallen dramatically on the one-year list. After the Welsh Open cutoff, he was positioned 24th – a standing insufficient to secure entry into elite follow-up tournaments.
| Season | One-Year Ranking | Tournament Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | All tournaments accessible |
| 2024 | 3 | All tournaments accessible |
| 2025 | 24 | Ineligible for Players & Tour Championships |
This willingness to forgo substantial potential earnings and crucial ranking points underscores the apparent severity of his situation.
Health Concerns Go Beyond Physical
While official statements consistently reference “medical reasons,” O’Sullivan has recently spoken more openly about mental health challenges.
In recent comments, he admitted: “This feels like I’ve lost my nerve. Maybe lost my bottle. That makes it difficult to go out and play.”
He continued with the striking admission: “This feels different because I was a bit scared to go near the table. I didn’t want to practice, I didn’t want to hit the ball.”
When discussing the upcoming World Championship, he described potentially competing as the “bravest” decision of his career due to “stage fright” and admitted he “might still bloody withdraw” with minimal notice.
These candid statements strongly suggest that the umbrella term “medical reasons” has been masking profound mental and emotional challenges.
Reactions From Snooker Community
Player Concerns Focus on Rules
Mark Allen raised questions about tournament regulations rather than criticizing O’Sullivan directly.
“Nothing against Ben or Hossein,” Allen stated on social media, “But I really don’t agree with guys being replaced by those who have technically failed to qualify.”
Allen suggested that replacements should play for prize money but not ranking points, or that scheduled opponents should receive a walkover.
Iran’s Hossein Vafaei, ranked 33rd on the one-year list, replaced O’Sullivan in the draw against Si Jiahui.
Commentary From Fellow Champions
Stephen Hendry, seven-time world champion, had predicted before the withdrawal that he would be “shocked if he didn’t play” in Hong Kong, given O’Sullivan’s known affinity for competing in China.
Hendry further suggested that O’Sullivan’s “competitive juices are maybe not what they are,” indicating a possible preference for exhibitions and punditry work over the pressures of top-level competition.
Sky Sports journalist Nigel Chiu later called the Hong Kong withdrawal particularly “big” and “the most telling,” given O’Sullivan’s popularity and connections there.
Ticket Holders Voice Frustration
Tournament officials received eight official complaints directly linked to O’Sullivan’s withdrawal, with no refunds offered.
This situation was compounded by unrelated logistical challenges at the new Kai Tak Arena, such as an incident where fans were asked to leave a late-night match between Kyren Wilson and Ma Selt prematurely due to a midnight public transport restriction.
Similar situations have affected other sports recently. Tennis tournaments have faced comparable challenges with attendance uncertainty created by potential retirements and withdrawals.
World Championship Doubts Grow
With the World Snooker Championship set for April at the Crucible Theatre, serious questions surround O’Sullivan’s participation.
Fan website ronnieo147.com expressed deep concern: “For the first time, I consider the real possibility that he may not play at the Crucible and that he may put an end to his career altogether.”
This situation contrasts sharply with his 2012/13 break from the sport. After that hiatus, O’Sullivan returned to win the World Championship in impressive fashion. However, he describes his current struggles as “a lot different” from that period.
Past Career Breaks and Outcomes:
| Period | Nature of Absence | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2012/13 | Season-long break | Returned to win World Championship |
| 2024/25 | Nine withdrawals so far | Future participation uncertain |
Commercial Concerns for Snooker
O’Sullivan’s repeated absences create significant business challenges for the sport where he remains the biggest attraction.
Stephen Hendry observed that “there’s no doubt if he’s not in an event, the event suffers a little” – a widely held view within snooker.
Fellow professional Jack Lisowski articulated it more broadly: “He carried the game for the last 20 years. He’s one of the most exciting British sportsmen ever.”
The official complaints received by the World Grand Prix organizers in Hong Kong directly testify to his unparalleled drawing power.
As snooker continues its global expansion, particularly in Asian markets, the frequent absence of its most marketable star creates significant promotional challenges.
Mental Health Journey Continues
O’Sullivan’s career has featured well-documented psychological challenges throughout.
His early professional years included publicly acknowledged struggles with depression and substance issues. His long-term collaboration with sports psychiatrist Dr. Steve Peters has often been credited with helping him manage his mental wellbeing and sustain his career.
Now at 49, these challenges appear to be manifesting differently than in previous career phases.
The 2023 documentary, “Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything,” had previously offered glimpses into his battles with nerves and anxiety throughout his career.
Crucible Questions Remain Unanswered
The key question now: Will O’Sullivan compete at the Crucible in April?
His tournament preparation seems significantly lacking. The World Championship’s grueling 17-day format typically demands both physical stamina and match sharpness that comes from regular competition.
Yet his remarkable 2013 title win after a similar competitive hiatus demonstrates his unique ability to defy conventional preparation wisdom.
This history of resilience offers a precedent for comebacks, but O’Sullivan himself has indicated that this recent period of difficulty feels “a lot different” due to the pervasive fear and apparent loss of nerve he describes experiencing.
Common Questions About the Withdrawal
Why did O’Sullivan withdraw from the Hong Kong tournament?
Official statements cite “medical reasons.” His recent comments suggest significant mental health challenges, including performance anxiety and a reluctance to approach the snooker table.
Which player replaced O’Sullivan at the World Grand Prix?
Hossein Vafaei from Iran, ranked 33rd on the current one-year list, took O’Sullivan’s place in the match against Si Jiahui.
How many tournaments has O’Sullivan missed this season?
Nine tournaments since July 2024, including major events like the Masters, German Masters, Welsh Open, World Open, Scottish Open and the Shoot Out.
How has O’Sullivan’s ranking been affected?
His reduced participation has seen his ranking fall to 24th on the one-year list following the Welsh Open cutoff, making him ineligible for the Players Championship and Tour Championship.
Has O’Sullivan taken breaks from snooker before?
Yes, most notably he missed most of the 2012/13 season before returning to win the World Championship. However, O’Sullivan has stated his current situation feels fundamentally different from previous breaks.
Will O’Sullivan play in the 2025 World Championship?
As of early March 2025, this remains uncertain. O’Sullivan himself has acknowledged he might withdraw closer to the event despite his current intention to participate.
What is the estimated financial impact of these withdrawals?
Beyond missing out on the prize money available in Hong Kong, his absence from other events has made him ineligible for tournaments offering a combined winner’s purse of £300,000, along with potential appearance fees and commercial opportunities.
Uncertain Future Awaits
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s withdrawal from the 2025 World Grand Prix adds another concerning chapter to what has become an unprecedented season of absences.
For O’Sullivan personally, it continues a difficult balancing act between his competitive career and psychological wellbeing as he nears the half-century age mark.
For the sport of snooker, his frequent withdrawals create immediate commercial and promotional challenges while raising larger questions about over-reliance on a single star attraction.
Though his previous career comebacks suggest caution before writing him off, his own candid admissions indicate this period differs significantly from past breaks.
The narrative of this period is not simply about missed tournaments or ranking points, but about the human dimension of a celebrated champion navigating profound personal challenges.
After three decades as snooker’s premier box-office draw, Ronnie O’Sullivan pulls out of World Grand Prix leaving both fans and tournament organizers uncertain about what comes next for the sport’s most gifted player.