Ronnie O'Sullivan's start to 2025 has been fraught with last-minute withdrawals and frustration at the table, and things do not appear to be improving

Ronnie O'Sullivan's last-minute decision not to compete at the 2025 Welsh Open has disappointed many snooker fans. News that the 49-year-old would not face Jamie Clarke in the first round in Llandudno was confirmed by a terse announcement from the World Snooker Tour.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has endured a particularly difficult few months, withdrawing from countless tournaments which now includes his late exit from this week's Welsh Open

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has pulled out of the Welsh Open just hours before he was scheduled to make his comeback in the first-round. The Rocket was due to return against Wales’ home hero

Ronnie O'Sullivan dropped a bombshell on the morning of his Welsh Open match, withdrawing from the competition before his first-round tie with Jamie Clarke.

Ronnie O'Sullivan withdrew from the Welsh Open hours before his first-round match against Jamie Clarke, leaving fans who had travelled to Llandudno to watch him fuming

Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled out of the Welsh Open, with opponent Jamie Clarke receiving a bye to the second round in Llandudno. The Rocket has not played since the Championship League in January when he withdrew during his group, snapping his cue and admitting he ‘lost the plot’ in the Leicester event.

World Snooker Tour confirmed in a short statement: "Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of the BetVictor Welsh Open. O'Sullivan was due to face Jamie Clarke at 1pm on Tuesday afternoon. Clarke will now receive a bye to the last 32."

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Welsh Open just hours before his scheduled first-round match in Llandudno. The seven-time world champion was set to make his competitive return to snooker against Jamie Clarke.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Welsh Open just hours before he was due to make his return to snooker following his absence from the sport in recent weeks