Ronnie O'Sullivan has been absent from the British Open due to 'medical reasons'. The snooker legend's non-attendance is overshadowed by swirling rumours concerning his relationship with actress Laila Rouass.
In what was set to be a clash against Thailand's world No. 116 Manasawin Phetmalaikul in Cheltenham on Monday, fans were left disheartened when amateur Lewis Ullah stepped into the fray in O'Sullivan's place. READ MORE: Manuel Ugarte shows his true colours with United message after FC Twente draw READ MORE: FC Twente boss makes United claim after Europa League draw Despite being an active presence at recent tournaments including the Xi'an Grand Prix, the Saudi Arabia Masters, and the English Open, the 48-year-old player is currently pausing for breath ahead of his expected return at the Wuhan Open in China on October 6, amid what appears to be a tough time in his personal life.
Last week, news outlets published information on his alleged separation from Rouass, with whom he has had an on-off relationship spanning over ten years.
The strain of O'Sullivan's demanding snooker schedule is speculated to have contributed to their troubles. However, recent sightings of O'Sullivan and Rouass together near their Essex home last Saturday suggest the pair have rekindled.