SNOOKER legend Ronnie O’Sullivan will sit out the English Open.
That is despite the fact the esteemed tournament – worth £100,000 – takes place just minutes away from what used to be his hometown in Essex.
The seven-time world champion wasn’t included in the draw released by World Snooker Tour.
That means the 2017 English Open winner won’t compete despite the competition taking place in Brentwood.
That is very close to Chigwell, where The Rocket was brought up as a child.
This comes after O’Sullivan also opted out of the Wuhan Open after reaching the final of the Saudi Arabia Masters last month.
That is where he lost 10-9 in an epic final to Neil Robertson, who defends the English Open crown.
Meanwhile, Luca Brecel could be handed a match with a snooker legend at the English Open.
Brecel, 30, could be paired up with six-time world finalist Jimmy White in the second round next week.
But first the Belgian Bullet will have to get through the Northern Ireland Open qualifying in Leicester on Sunday.
That is where the Belgian star will face Liam Davies.
This comes after Brecel’s remarkable walkout during his Xi’an Grand Prix qualifier.
The former World No2 could face disciplinary action for quitting that match.