Ronnie O'Sullivan: 'Drained and stressed' snooker star withdraws from Champion of Champions title defence

ByJames Walker-Roberts

Updated 14/11/2023 at 12:47 GMT

Ronnie O'Sullivan will not be defending his title at the Champion of Champions tournament. The world No. 1 has withdrawn from the event in Bolton, saying he wants to look after his "mental health" and "body". O'Sullivan was beaten in the semi-finals of the International Championship in China at the weekend by Anda. O'Sullivan has been replaced by Ding Junhui.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Champion of Champions due to “mentally feeling a bit drained and stressed”.

O’Sullivan was due to play his opening match of the tournament in Bolton on Wednesday.

He was scheduled to meet Zhang Anda, who beat O’Sullivan in the semi-finals of the International Championship in Tianjin, China on Saturday.

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But O’Sullivan will not feature at the Champion of Champions, which he won last year.

“Hi guys, just wanted to let you know I’m unfortunately withdrawing from the Champions of Champions event tomorrow,” said O’Sullivan on X, formerly Twitter.

“Mentally, I feel a bit drained and stressed and I want to look after my mental health and my body. I’m sorry to all the fans but I’ll be back.”

O’Sullivan beat Judd Trump in last year’s Champion of Champions final.

He has been replaced by Ding Junhui, who is set to arrive in the UK from China on Tuesday evening.

World No. 1 O'Sullivan could return for the UK Championship, which starts on November 25 in York.

Mark Allen made the semi-finals at the Champion of Champions as he beat Jimmy White and Ali Carter.

Allen won the tournament when it was played behind closed doors in 2020.

• Hendon: 'Fairytale' doesn't cover what Zhang has achieved
• Allen reveals mixed emotions on 2020 Champion of Champions title

Zhang will be heading into the event on the back of winning the International Championship.

The 31-year-old made a 147 in the final as he beat Tom Ford.

'Not feeling comfortable out there' - O'Sullivan returns to table despite needing 20 snookers

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