Ronnie O'Sullivan, 49, pulls OUT of snooker tournament due to medical reasons - just days after losing thrilling Saudi Masters final

Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of the Wuhan Open for medical reasons just days after dramatically missing out on the Saudi Arabia Masters title to Neil Robertson.

The Rocket, 49, withdrew from a handful of tournaments on medical grounds at the start of the year, including the World Grand Prix and the Masters, before making a return at the Crucible in April. 

He narrowly lost Saturday's 10-9 epic to Robertson in Jeddah, as the Australian took home the £500,000 prize to climb to third in the world rankings.

O'Sullivan, who first trailed 7-2 and then fought back to lead 9-8 in the thrilling final, collected a runners-up cheque of £200,000 plus bonuses of £180,333.

The seven-time world champion was billed to face fellow Englishman Allan Taylor at the Wuhan Open on Sunday but will now be replaced by Umut Dikme, as confirmed by the the World Snooker Tour.

'Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of next week's Wuhan Open in China for medical reasons,' they revealed in a statement on Wednesday.

'O'Sullivan was due to meet Allan Taylor in the opening round on Sunday August 24. He will be replaced in the draw with the leading player from the Q School rankings, Germany's Umut Dikme.'

Despite narrowly losing the final, the Rocket showcased impressed form in Jeddah, notably becoming the first player in history to register two competitive 147s in a single session during his 6-3 semi-finals victory over Chris Wakelin.

His absence from the tournament raises concern over his availability for next month's British Open, the fourth ranking event of the season.

Just weeks away, it is due to be staged at O'Sullivan's hometown of Brentwood in Essex between September 11 and 21.