Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of six ranking tournaments this season, the latest of which came on Tuesday just four hours before he was scheduled to play Jamie Clarke at the Welsh Open

John Higgins reckons Ronnie O’Sullivan will be working hard behind the scenes to get used to a new cue ahead of some big events coming up. The Rocket has not played since a brief appearance at the Championship League last month, where he was visibly frustrated with his game and pulled out before he had completed his matches.

'The Rocket' was due to take on Jamie Clarke in his first-round match in Llandudno when it was confirmed he had pulled out. Supporters - many of whom had trekked for hours to reach Venue Cymru for O'Sullivan's return to the baize after a month's hiatus and recent withdrawals - were let down.

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Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Welsh Open just hours before his scheduled first-round match, leaving fans in Llandudno bitterly disappointed. The seven-time world champion was due to face Jamie Clarke at 1pm on Tuesday at Venue Cymru,