Ronnie has just shared this on social media:
Ronnie has suffered from serious bouts of anxiety before. I have seen it with my own eyes … him being physically sick just minutes before he was due to play, notably at the Crucible. That said, he had hinted at his intention not to play in this event, already weeks ago. So this might not be the sole reason for his withdrawal. Whatever, it’s no surprise and there is no excuse for WST not to find a replacement.
The tournament will offer a great opportunity for the player who will be able to grab it as Judd Trump has also withdrawn as announced 4 days ago by WST:
TRUMP WITHDRAWS FROM WELSH OPEN
Judd Trump has pulled out of next week’s BetVictor Welsh Open in Llandudno and been replaced by Duane Jones.
Trump was due to play Liam Highfield at 7pm on the opening day of the event, Monday February 12. Instead, Welshman Jones will face Highfield.
Nevermind … Ronnie will be in beautiful Llandudno, and, no doubts, running up the hill … he loves a fell run, and it’s good for the mind. 😉
UPDATE …
It has now been confirmed by WST and David Grace has withdrawn too
O’SULLIVAN AND GRACE WITHDRAW
Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from next week’s BetVictor Welsh Open for medical reasons.
O’Sullivan was due to face Liam Graham in the first round on Monday at 12.30pm in Llandudno. Instead, Graham will be up against Alfie Davies.
David Grace has also pulled out for personal reasons. He was due to meet Shaun Murphy on Monday at 12.30pm, and Grace has been replaced by Barry Pinches.
The event runs from February 12 to 18.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 
ridiculous really. why can he not just pull out? why does he have to come with an obvious lie? how come he never gets “stage fright” ahead of the big money tournaments?
Santino, other than coming across as a rather nasty person in general, you are also ignorant. This isn’t a lie, and anyone who has been in the media room for some time – as I have – and or knows Ronnie personally (I do) , knows that he has been suffering from anxiety for many years. In my next piece I will share an article by David Hendon who writes about the human reality behind the sporting figures. You should read it. And, yes, Ronnie will make a big(ger) effort for majors but it doesn’t mean his issues aren’t real. I have seen him being physically sick because of anxiety minutes before matches, I have seen him sobbing uncontrollably after wins, such was his state of mental and nervous exhaustion. And he isn’t the only one battling mental and emotional issues. Far from it.
I watched the documentary so I know what he goes through. still, he can just pull out. I don’t even mind it. get rest for the worlds. but this thing where he makes up a different reason every time is a joke. you don’t wanna play, the money ain’t good enough, we know. just turn up to to the worlds
No he can’t “just pull out” … unless he wants to be fined. The thing is, the issues are real, so? If the players could just pull out, he probably would, but, of course, we know why WST can’t allow that. It would make promoting their events even more difficult than it is already.
Did his feet recover for running?
He should invite Liam Graham for dinner and also his family if they go there, before Liam gets upset again. 😸
no… let him get upset again… who does he think he is? He should be happy to get some free ranking points. He certainly needs them. 😈 Seriously, it’s good that he wants to play the best players, and I understand why he was annoyed because his family had bought tickets to see him play. Now, lets see what WST does. They can’t claim that Ronnie withdrew last minute this time.
That didn’t sound that supportive of the up and coming players, in this case Graham, as usual this time, Monique.
I was joking Christian. That said, and maybe because I’m not an english native speaker, I found the use of the word “disrespectful” in the context a bit arrogant and over the top as “Irrespectueux” is a very “strong” word in French. Ronnie at the time denied to have pulled out last minute and the very fact that he came on social media to announce his withdrawals since then tells me he learned a lesson. I’m supportive of young players, and young people in general. This week I have systematically been following the WSF championship over the CLS. But, I don’t like arrogance or over-confidence in the young. Maybe I’m wrong, maybe it’s actually a good thing, something that helps them, something they need to find the resources to try new things and take risks? I’m not sure. Anyway… the great Greek poet Homer (Omiros) wrote something along the lines “It’s the privilege of the youth to judge before they know, and to believe they know before they learned …”. Who am I to disagree with him?