Ronnie O’Sullivan PULLS OUT of major tournament to focus on mental health after admitting feeling ‘drained and stressed’

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has withdrawn from the Champion of Champions citing mental fatigue.

The Rocket, the tournament’s defending champion, was supposed to face China’s Zhang Anda on Wednesday in the first round in Bolton.

Ronnie O’Sullivan was in action in China last weekRex

Yet having flown back to the UK from the International Championship in Tianjin last weekend, the seven-time world champion says he is tired and stressed and not ready to play this week.

O’Sullivan said on social media: “Hi guys, just wanted to let you know I’m unfortunately withdrawing from the Champions of Champions event.

“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 stronger.”

Speaking last week in the Far East before this announcement, O’Sullivan explained that he could not keep going “backwards and forwards, tournament after tournament, you have to choose your battles”.

The Essex potter said: “There is a lot of travelling involved. My mental health is very, very important to me.

“My doctor has got me under… he is always monitoring me. I don’t want to get burnt out.

“Mental exhaustion or mental stress or whatever they call it. I don’t want to hit that point. So, I have to be very careful with picking and choosing my events now.”

The world No.1 did not play last month’s Northern Ireland Open, pulling out before it started on medical grounds.

Behind-the-scenes, O’Sullivan is up against a potential disciplinary rap.

He has been referred by the World Snooker Tour (WST) to the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) following disparaging comments made in media interviews.

The Crucible King has heavily criticised the running of the sport in recent weeks.

And then he alleged snooker supremos “almost” committed blackmail as they clashed with players over planned appearances in big-money exhibitions in China.

Three-time UK Champion Ding Junhui is flying over from China to take part in O’Sullivan’s absence in an all-China opener.