Ronnie O'Sullivan is unlikely to play another match until he returns to the Crucible in seven weeks' time after withdrawing from the World Grand Prix, where he is the reigning champion. The Rocket has only played five matches since the turn of the year at the behind-closed-doors Championship League in Leicester.

O'Sullivan snapped his cue in anger following his defeat to Robert Milkins and was reportedly left so furious that he threw it in the bin. He has now confirmed that he has withdrawn from next week's World Grand Prix, citing medical reasons. He was due to face Si Jiahui in the opening round on Wednesday but will be replaced in the draw by Hossein Vafaei.

The event features the leading 32 players of the season thus far and will be staged in Hong Kong, where O'Sullivan has residency, for the very first time.

O'Sullivan's withdrawal means his next match is likely to come at the World Snooker Championship, which gets underway in April. He has not qualified for the Players Championship or the Tour Championship as a result of his inactivity, meaning he will be out of action until he returns to the Crucible.

The man from Essex has openly struggled with his mental health in recent months and does not plan to return to professional snooker until he feels ready. However, according to The Sun, he is starting to get better and is expected to play at the World Snooker Championship.

In a statement confirming his withdrawal from the World Grand Prix, O'Sullivan said: "I am very disappointed not to be competing. I had been eager to make my comeback in Hong Kong and have put in my utmost effort but unfortunately must consider my health. I wish to sincerely thank the organisers and all the Hong Kong fans for their support."

The Rocket has withdrawn from a total of seven events since losing to Barry Hawkins in the opening round of the UK Championship in November. He did not play in the Snooker Shoot Out, Scottish Open, Masters, German Masters, Welsh Open, World Open and now the World Grand Prix.

He featured at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship in Saudi Arabia just before Christmas, where he reached the semi-finals, but has otherwise not appeared on UK screens for several months.