Ronnie O'Sullivan pulls out of Welsh Open as statement released mentioning 'stage fright'

Ronnie O'Sullivan has decided to withdraw from next week's Welsh Open tournament.

The 48-year-old, who has been in superb form this year, winning the Masters and World Grand Prix with victories over Ali Carter and Judd Trump, will not feature at this month's competition in Llandudno.

Ahead of his scheduled first round match against Liam Graham on Monday, O'Sullivan released the following statement on X, formerly Twitter, where he spoke about suffering from stage fright.

He wrote: "Morning guys, I wanted to let you know that I've decided I'm not able to play in Llandudno next week. It's hard to explain but for years I've suffered from stage fright at times, brought on by anxiety.

"It's not something I can predict or control but I try to manage it as best as I can.

"I'm sorry to everyone who's bought tickets but I just can't get my cue out when I feel like this and I think this [is] what's best for me right now."

O'Sullivan added: "I still want to be around the tournament so I'll be doing some work with Eurosport and I hope to see you all there."

Fans on social media voiced their support for O'Sullivan in the comments.

One said: "Number one rule is look after your mental and physical health. Look forward to seeing you back out there potting balls for fun and playing shots to leave us in awe."

A second wrote: "Fair play to you mate. Anxiety is a horrible thing when it grips harder, looking after yourself is key," while a third commented: "Be strong Ronnie, health comes first."

A fourth added: "The more professionals talk openly about their mental health challenges, the faster we will grow our understanding and empathy for others. Thanks for being real. Take care of yourself."

The current world number one has previously opened opens up about how anxiety has affected his snooker career.

Speaking on the BBC’s Don’t Tell Me The Score podcast in 2019, he explained: "I likened it a little bit like when people go on stage and before they go out they freeze, because it’s all about the performance, and that’s exactly what it was like me with snooker.

"I could do brilliant performances but it was always about the next one, am I going to fall apart? Am I not going to be able to pot a ball? Am I going to embarrass myself out there? Are people going to start laughing at me and think I’m a fraud? I had all that going on."

He added: "If I don’t compete and don’t put myself in that situation with snooker that fear and anxiety disappeared."