Ronnie O'Sullivan withdraws from International Championship for medical reasons: Another question mark over selective schedule

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the International Championship in Nanjing, China next month for medical reasons. The 50-year-old was scheduled to play a qualifying match in Leicester on September 17, but organisers confirmed his withdrawal. O'Sullivan has also pulled out of the British Open and English Open this month. He has not played a ranking event in the UK since September 2026. Interestingly, his longstanding medical issues have tended to ease during Chinese events. He played both the China Open and Wuhan Open earlier this season. This marks another selective scheduling decision from a player who increasingly prioritises comfort and physical condition over a full calendar. O'Sullivan remains a major box-office attraction, and his absence in Nanjing will be felt commercially. Yet the move also raises concerns about his ranking and long-term competitive plans. At 50, he continues to pick his moments carefully, leaving fans and pundits guessing about his future. His repeated withdrawals may be a way to protect his body and legacy, but snooker's demanding ranking system means time away carries a price. While the International Championship will still feature top stars such as Judd Trump and Mark Selby, O'Sullivan's unique appeal cannot be replaced. Vietnamese snooker fans, like many in Asia, will hope to see him back on the baize soon.