Ronnie O’Sullivan pulls out of third successive tournament as he withdraws from Northern Ireland Open at last minute

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has pulled out of the Northern Ireland Open.

The seven-time world champion made the move due to medical reasons.

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The Belfast event started yesterday.

O'Sullivan's withdrawal marks the third straight tournament he has missed out on.

It comes after he sat out the British Open and the Wuhan Open.

The World Snooker Tour confirmed the news late on Sunday.

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As a result of the withdrawal, his first-round opponent, Long Zehuang, was handed a bye into the round of 32.

The Rocket had lost three previous Northern Ireland Open finals to Judd Trump between 2018 and 2020.

O'Sullivan withdrew from last year's event, also for medical reasons.

The world No5 has not played competitively since being knocked out of the first round of the English Open on 17 September - which saw him harshly brand himself "useless" and "embarrassing".

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O'Sullivan has hinted at retirement several times this year.

He recently announced a new side hustle by opening a snooker academy in Saudi Arabia.

O'Sullivan also revealed how he would have pursued a career in motorsport if he never pursued a career in snooker.

You can find all the latest updates on the Northern Ireland Open by reading SunSport's snooker blog HERE.

Inside Ronnie's colourful career

FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.

The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.

O'Sullivan has three children - two daughters and a son.

And the Rocket's on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.

He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.

While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.

Despite being worth £14million, O'Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.

His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded 'snooker's greatest feud'.

And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous 'Snotgate' row.

Check out all our latest Ronnie O'Sullivan articles.