World number one snooker Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from next week's German Masters.
The 48-year-old, who has already won the Masters, British Championship and World Grand Prix this season, will not compete in Berlin as he prioritizes his “health and well-being”.
O'Sullivan limped through his World Open qualifier against Alfie Burden in Barnsley earlier this week to qualify for the final round of the tournament, but decided it was time to take a break.
“I would like to inform our German fans that I have sadly decided to withdraw from next week's German Masters,” O'Sullivan said in a statement on X.
“I love the German event and the fans, but I have to prioritize my health and well-being.
“I hope you understand, as it has been an exhausting and challenging season for me so far, regardless of what winning in the tournament looks like. I am disappointed that I will not be able to participate, but as soon as possible I hope to see you all.”
During China Open qualifying, O'Sullivan, who was given special permission by World Snooker to wear trainers due to a leg injury, kicked off his trainers midway through the fourth frame while Burden was on a break of 61.
O'Sullivan's most recent success was at the World Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion then slightly delayed the start of the fifth frame while putting his shoes back on, with breaks of 83 seconds and 58 seconds before Baden tied it at 3-3 before breaking the final This secured a 5-3 victory.
O'Sullivan decided to withdraw from the German Masters after speaking of the need to step away from snooker following his second-round win over Chou Yuelong at the Leicester Grand Prix.
“I have to feel how I feel and think about whether I can continue,” O'Sullivan told tournament broadcasters. ITV4.
“To be honest, it's tough. And the worst part is that we're winning tournaments. If we were playing like that and getting excited in the first round every game, it would be an easy decision to make, but I I'm not getting any enjoyment out of it, to be honest.
“I definitely need at least a break, but it's been like this for 25, 30 years, so nothing has changed. It's the only thing I know and it's been like this for years. It's hard not to, because that's my job.”