Jamie Clarke has advanced to the second round of the Welsh Open after Ronnie O'Sullivan's last-minute withdrawal from the tournament. The seven-time world champion pulled out just four hours before his scheduled match against Clarke in Llandudno.

World Snooker did not provide any reason for O'Sullivan's absence from Llandudno, but Higgins feels it is likely to be down to him bedding in a new piece of equipment. "I think he’ll be back," Higgins is quoted as saying by Metro after his win over Robert Milkins at the Welsh Open.

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN could work as a TV pundit this week in North Wales — after pulling out of a fifth event in three months. Just three-and-a-half hours before he was due to face Jamie Clarke in the

Ronnie O'Sullivan has endured a particularly difficult few months, withdrawing from countless tournaments which now includes his late exit from this week's Welsh Open

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from this week's Welsh Open in Llandudno, hours before he was due to play Jamie Clarke in the first round on Tuesday afternoon.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Welsh Open just hours before he was due to make his return to snooker following his absence from the sport in recent weeks

Ronnie O'Sullivan withdrew from the Welsh Open hours before his first-round match against Jamie Clarke, leaving fans who had travelled to Llandudno to watch him fuming

Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled out of the Welsh Open, with opponent Jamie Clarke receiving a bye to the second round in Llandudno. The Rocket has not played since the Championship League in January when he withdrew during his group,