Ronnie O’Sullivan has been backed by his colleagues on the World Snooker Tour after skipping his third consecutive tournament.
The ‘Rocket’ hasn’t played since suffering a shock defeat in the first round of the English Open on September 17.
He subsequently pulled out of both the British Open and Wuhan Open despite being included in the draw for the events.
The 48-year-old was scheduled to make his return in Belfast against Long Zehuang, but he pulled out of the event due to ‘medical reasons’.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has not played since the English Open
PA
The mystery behind O’Sullivan’s absence has led to questions from fans on when he will next return.
But Shaun Murphy has jumped to the defence of his compatriot, insisting it’s nobody else’s business.
“It’s completely players’ prerogative to play as and when he sees fit. He’s under no obligation to play, ever, he doesn’t have to play,” Murphy told the Metro.
“I don’t think anyone’s going to be queuing up to scrutinise his medical excuse, but withdrawing on medical grounds is a way out of an event once you’ve entered.
“If he’s unwell and can’t play then that’s terrible and everyone wishes him well.
“I feel for the fans, but sports people and artists perform circumstances permitting. The truth of the matter is none of us know what’s going on in somebody else’s life.
“We can all make assumptions but nobody knows what’s going on with somebody else and we should all probably mind our own business.”
World champion Kyren Wilson agreed, adding O’Sullivan has every right to look out for himself.
Kyren Wilson has come out in support of Ronnie O’Sullivan
GETTY
“Nobody comes before yourself, you have got to think of yourself,” Wilson said.
“If you’re not mentally there you have to put yourself first.
“We all know the pressures that Ronnie has to deal with, being the icon that he is, and he’s done everything so he’s probably not quite as hungry as myself or the younger players who are still trying to achieve half of what he has.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan is expected to be back next month
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“I don’t necessarily blame him. You’ve just got to enjoy him while he’s there, I suppose.”
O’Sullivan is scheduled to make his return at the International Championship in China next month.
He’s been drawn to face women’s world No 1 Mink Nutcharut in the opening round.