OSullivan withdraws from World Grand Prix for medical reasons

Ronnie OSullivan has won 41 ranking events since turning professional in 1992

Seven-time world champion Ronnie OSullivan has withdrawn from next weeks World Grand Prix in Hong Kong for medical reasons.

The 49-year-old Englishman was schedule to play Chinas Si Jiahui in the opening round on Wednesday and will now be replaced by Iranian Hossein Vafaei.

In February, OSullivan apologised for withdrawing from recent events, saying he needed to prioritise his health and wellbeing.

He will next be eligible to play at the World Snooker Championship in April as he can no longer qualify for this months Players Championship and Tour Championship events.

The World Grand Prix, which is a ranking event, features the leading 32 players of the season so far and runs from 4 -9 March.

OSullivan has not played on the World Snooker Tour (WST) since withdrawing midway through his Championship League group in January, snapping his cue after losing four of his five matches.