World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Barry Hearn has revealed that Ronnie O'Sullivan will play no further part on the professional tour this season due to personal problems.
The news casts doubt on the current world champion's future in the game following a long and well-documented battle with depression.
"I have spoken to Ronnie and he has decided to withdraw from any events he has entered, and he will not be playing for the rest of this season," said Hearn.
"He has some personal issues which he needs to resolve and we wish him all the best for the future."
O'Sullivan, 36, has recently plummeted to number 20 in the rankings and crucially outside of the top 16, who automatically qualify for all the major tournaments.
