Still suffering from the effects of the glandular fever that has troubled him since early last December, German Masters champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has taken the decision to withdraw from the upcoming inaugural Haikou World Open tournament in China…
Ronnie is quoted at the Grove Snooker website as saying:
“I am very sorry that I have to withdraw from Haikou; despite my illness I have been competing well in recent weeks and was greatly looking forward to taking part in the World Open and meeting my fans in China. However, I have to listen to my body sometimes and I have decided that I will be in better shape for the climax of the season and the World Championships if I listen to my doctor and spend the next few weeks resting. I hope I can make it to Ireland and China in March and look forward to seeing you all soon”.
While it will come as disappointing news to his supporters in China, in terms of his ranking Ronnie should not be too badly affected as for the first time this season he actually begins the next provisional list already inside the top 16, with a healthy lead over 17th placed Andrew Higginson.
With the PTC Finals in Ireland not getting underway until the 14th March 2012, Ronnie will be hoping to be firing on all cylinders as the final events of the 2011/12 season are played to a conclusion.
The result also means that Tom Ford will receive a walkover through to the last 16 of the tournament, if he can first come through against wildcard Lu Haotian.