The World Snooker Tour have confirmed that Ronnie O'Sullivan pulled out of the Welsh Open this morning. The Rocket was due to face Jamie Clarke in his first professional match since early January, but won't be taking to the table in Llandudno.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Welsh Open in Llandudno hours before he was scheduled to play his first-round match against Jamie Clarke.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled out of the Welsh Open, with opponent Jamie Clarke receiving a bye to the second round in Llandudno. The Rocket has not played since the Championship League in January when he withdrew during his group, snapping his cue and admitting he ‘lost the plot’ in the Leicester event.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from this week's Welsh Open in Llandudno, hours before he was due to play Jamie Clarke in the first round on Tuesday afternoon.

The Rocket was due to take on Welshman Clarke in Llandudno, but announced his withdrawal just hours before the match

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Welsh Open just hours before he was due to make his return to snooker following his absence from the sport in recent weeks

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Welsh Open just hours before his scheduled first-round match in Llandudno. The seven-time world champion was set to make his competitive return to snooker against Jamie Clarke.