O’Sullivan withdraws from World Grand Prix for medical reasons

Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, will miss the Hong Kong World Grand Prix due to medical reasons.

Hossein Vafaei, an Iranian, will take the 49-year-old Englishman’s place in the opening round of Wednesday against China’s Si Jiahui.

O’Sullivan apologized in February for skipping recent events, saying he needed to prioritize his health and well-being.

Due to his inability to participate in the Players Championship and Tour Championship events this month, he will next be eligible to compete in the World Snooker Championship in April.

The top 32 players in the season so far will compete in the World Grand Prix, which is a ranking contest, on March 4 through 9 respectively.