'It might make it worse' – Ronnie O'Sullivan could withdraw from Welsh Open over 'snooker depression' fears

Ronnie O'Sullivan admits he could opt to withdraw from the Welsh Open after his run to a 60th career ranking event final at the European Masters. The World No 2 was in exceptional form as he rolled in breaks of 50, 81, 72, 60, 127 and 109 to overwhelm Liang Wenbo 6-2 in the last four in Milton Keynes and secure a final meeting with 21-year-old Fan Zhengyi in Sunday's best-of-19 frame final.

Ad/> European Masters 2022 — Latest results, scores, schedule Welsh Open 2022 — How to watch and stream as O'Sullivan eyes redemption O'Sullivan exclusive: 'Can you justify feeling like s***?' – Why depression stalks snooker European Masters'It went on too long' — O'Sullivan 'not impressed' by crowd during semi-final win over Liang11 HOURS AGO The six-time world champion is due to travel to Newport to begin his quest for a fifth Welsh Open title against World No 39 Sam Craigie on Monday night (7pm LIVE on Eurosport), but admits he will have to be in the right frame of mind to compete. “I have talked about snooker depression and anxiety this week, but winning the title won’t help that, in fact it might make it worse," O'Sullivan told reporters.

«And whatever happens, if mentally I don’t feel good about playing in Wales next week on Monday…that is hard. /> »I’ll wait and see on playing in that, if I am at a low ebb, I’ll have to make a decision.” /> O'Sullivan starts as 1/7 favourite to claim his first European Masters title, £80,000 first prize and a record 39th ranking title with World No 80 Fan priced as an 11/2 outsider, but the Essex man is expecting a tough challenge (1pm GMT LIVE on Eurosport).