Ronnie O'Sullivan's latest withdrawal could cost snooker icon £300k

Ronnie O'Sullivan has missed out on a potential £300,000 of prize money after withdrawing from another tournament - which will now cost him.

The Rocket has been largely inactive in 2025 and it means he can no longer qualify for the Players Championship or the Tour Championship. Both tournaments were offering £150,000 to the winner but the 49-year-old will miss out on both opportunities due to his ranking.

O'Sullivan has now missed seven tournaments since he lost the UK Championship first round clash to Barry Hawkins. The snooker icon has backed out of the Shoot Out, Scottish Open, Masters, German Masters, Welsh Open and World Open - now the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong can be added to that list.

O'Sullivan has confessed that he's disappointment to miss out on the tournament and is keen to return, but has chosen to prioritise his health.

He said: "I am very disappointed not to be competing. I had been eager to make my comeback in Hong Kong and have put in my utmost effort but unfortunately must consider my health. I wish to sincerely thank the organisers and all the Hong Kong fans for their support.”

It all means that O'Sullivan's next time competing on a snooker table is at the qualifiers for the World Championship. They will take place between April 7 and April 16 in Sheffield, shortly before the showpiece tournament begins at the Crucible on April 19 with the final scheduled to be on May 5.

The current world no.4 has only played five times in 2025, but that was in the behind-closed-doors Championship League in Leicester

In February, O'Sullivan apologised to fans on social media for his withdrawals. He said: "I realise plenty of people who bought tickets to some recent snooker events will have been frustrated when I withdrew. So, I just wanted to say sorry to those of you who've been disappointed with me having to pull out of those tournaments.

"I've been trying to prioritise my health and well-being, which sometimes means making last-minute decisions not to play. It's never an easy decision and I hate letting people down. I'm doing what I can to get back to my best, and I'm grateful for all your support and understanding."