Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from next week’s World Grand Prix in Hong Kong for medical reasons.

The 49-year-old Englishman was schedule to play China’s Si Jiahui in the opening round on Wednesday and will now be replaced by Iranian Hossein Vafaei.

In February, O’Sullivan apologised for withdrawing from recent events, saying he needed to prioritise his health and wellbeing.

He will next be eligible to play at the World Snooker Championship in April as he can no longer qualify for this month’s Players Championship and Tour Championship events.

The World Grand Prix, which is a ranking event, features the leading 32 players of the season so far and runs from 4 -9 March.

O’Sullivan has not played on the World Snooker Tour (WST) since withdrawing midway through his Championship League group in January, snapping his cue after losing four of his five matches.