Ronnie O'Sullivan withdraws from International Championship in Nanjing due to medical reasons

Ronnie O'Sullivan has officially withdrawn from the International Championship in Nanjing, China, scheduled for next month, due to medical reasons. The 50-year-old English snooker legend was expected to play his qualifying match in Leicester on September 17 but can no longer take part. O'Sullivan also pulled out of the British Open and the English Open this month. His last ranking event on UK soil was in September 2026. His persistent health issues have often eased when he plays in China, which explains why he appeared at the China Open and the Wuhan Open earlier this season. The decision means another ranking tournament without one of the sport's biggest draws. It also raises fresh concerns about his long-term schedule and ability to compete at the highest level consistently. However, O'Sullivan has repeatedly proved he can return to top form after a period of rest. Fans will hope his latest medical withdrawal is only temporary and that he soon recovers enough to resume his career at the highest level.