Ronnie O'Sullivan's start to 2025 has been fraught with last-minute withdrawals and frustration at the table, and things do not appear to be improving

Ronnie O'Sullivan's last-minute decision not to compete at the 2025 Welsh Open has disappointed many snooker fans. News that the 49-year-old would not face Jamie Clarke in the first round in Llandudno was confirmed by a terse announcement from the World Snooker Tour.

Ronnie O'Sullivan withdrew from the Welsh Open hours before his first-round match against Jamie Clarke, leaving fans who had travelled to Llandudno to watch him fuming

Ronnie O'Sullivan withdrew from the Welsh Open hours before he was due to face Jamie Clarke in the first round, leaving fans fuming and questioning the timing of the announcement

Ronnie O’Sullivan pulled out of the Welsh Open hours before his first-round tie with Jamie Clarke, leaving hoards of fans in Llandudno bitterly disappointed.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has endured a particularly difficult few months, withdrawing from countless tournaments which now includes his late exit from this week's Welsh Open

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Welsh Open just hours before he was due to make his return to snooker following his absence from the sport in recent weeks

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Welsh Open just hours before his scheduled first-round match in Llandudno.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.