Ronnie O’Sullivan withdraws from the 2022 European Masters

Jamie Shaw in European Masters 11 August 2022

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Fan Zhengyi denies Ronnie O’Sullivan to land maiden TV title at the European Masters

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European Masters 2022 | Draw, Live Scores and Schedule of Play

O’Sullivan is absent from Leicester (Zac Goodwin/PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo)

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the 2022 European Masters for medical reasons.

The reigning and seven-time World Champion was due to face Sean O’Sullivan in the opening round in Fürth, Germany on Tuesday August 16.

However, he has been replaced in the draw by Luke Simmonds after pulling out of the event earlier this week.

The European Masters takes place from August 16-21 at the Stadthalle and features 64 players competing for a £422,000 prize fund.

Fan Zhengyi is the defending champion, having defeated O’Sullivan 10-9 in last year’s final to claim his first career ranking title.

Since securing a record-equalling seventh world title at The Crucible in May, O’Sullivan has competed in the Championship League last month, winning all three of his initial group matches, before bowing out in the second group phase.

The exact details behind The Rocket’s withdrawal from the European Masters remain unclear, however he has confirmed his attendance at the British Speedway Grand Prix in Cardiff on Saturday.

His next tournament appearance is set to be at the World Mixed Doubles in Milton Keynes from September 24-25 – where he will partner 12-time Women’s World Champion Reanne Evans in the inaugural invitational event.

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