Snooker fans concerned about Ronnie O'Sullivan after seeing what he did during tournament just days before Masters begins

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Championship League tournament, just days before his first round match against John Higgins at the Masters.

The 49-year-old is aiming to win a record-extending ninth Masters title in the coming days but his preparations for the much-anticipated event have been far from ideal.

He lost three of his four matches in the Championship League group stage phase on Wednesday.

And after a 3-2 defeat to Robert Milkins, the seven-time world champion decided to withdraw from the BetVictor tournament before his final game in Group Three.

A visibly frustrated O'Sullivan expressed his anger on numerous occasions throughout Thursday's game against Milkins.

He missed a straightforward blue in the opening frame and his response was unusual, to say the least, as he sprayed his legs and stuck out his tongue. Milkins proceeded to clinch the frame.

Later on, O'Sullivan smashed his cue on the table on multiple occasions at the Mattioli Arena before losing 3-2. He is said to have thrown his snooker cue in the bin at the players' lounge after Thursday's game.

'The Rocket' was scheduled to face Ali Carter at 2pm but after deciding to call it quits, all of O'Sullivan's matches in the Championship League will be voided.

"He certainly imploded during that opening game," said the commentator.

"He was absolutely furious with nothing but himself, just the way he was playing, things weren't going right. He clearly didn't want to be here and he's taken the decision to withdraw."

Here's how fans on social media reacted to O'Sullivan's decision to withdraw from the competition.

One said: "I think he's at the stage of his career where his performance is dropping and he isn't able to accept that he isn't as good anymore. I do wonder if he even practices much anymore, especially if only a UK tournament."

A second wrote: "In the last 18 months - 2 years - The Rocket has become insufferable - and I've been a huge fan for over 20 years. I used to hate seeing him lose, but I hope Higgins turns him over on Sunday."

A third commented: "This guy shows no respect to tournaments, unless they are in China or Saudi where he is probably been paid a fortune to turn up," and a fourth said: "Will be interesting to see what cue he has for masters."

A fifth added: "Have you ever seen this in any sport where a guy can just quit halfway through tournaments and withdraw a week prior from home nations events I know he’s a big seller but it makes the sport look like a clown show."

Thoughts on O'Sullivan's latest antics? Let us know.