Ronnie O’Sullivan has once again withdrawn from a major snooker tournament on medical grounds — this time the **2025 British Open
* O’Sullivan was due to play **Sanderson Lam** in the opening round of the British Open, which begins 22 September in Cheltenham.
* The World Snooker Tour confirmed he’s been replaced in the draw by **Daniel Womersley**, the highest-ranked available player from the 2025 Q School list.
* No specifics have been given about his medical issue, just that he is withdrawing “for medical reasons”.
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### Context & Impact
* Ronnie has **not played since mid‑August**, when he competed in the Saudi Arabia Masters.
* He is also absent from the **English Open**, which precedes the British Open on the calendar.
* This is one of several recent withdrawals by O’Sullivan; earlier in 2025 he pulled out of the Masters on medical grounds as well.
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### What It Means
* O’Sullivan seems to be **extending a spell of absence**, possibly to recover fully before participating in future big tournaments.
* His decisions highlight the toll that high‑level snooker (travel, preparation, mental and physical strain) can take, especially as a veteran in the sport.
* For fans, his absence will be keenly felt — matches involving “The Rocket” frequently draw higher interest and media coverage.
