Ronnie O’Sullivan withdraws from Masters due to medical reasons | The Express Tribune

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters on medical grounds, leaving fans without the anticipated opening match against John Higgins.

A statement from the World Snooker Tour read: “Neil Robertson has replaced Ronnie O’Sullivan in the draw for the upcoming Johnstone’s Paint Masters. Last year’s champion O’Sullivan was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon, but has withdrawn on medical grounds.”

O’Sullivan, 49, was aiming for a record-extending ninth title at Alexandra Palace, but his absence reshapes the prestigious invitational event for the world’s top 16 players.

Neil Robertson, ranked 17th at the December seeding cutoff, will replace O’Sullivan in the tournament. The Australian, a two-time Masters champion, most recently triumphed in 2022 and will now face Higgins in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, has enjoyed a storied career since turning professional in 1992. With 41 ranking event titles, he remains one of snooker’s most celebrated figures.

His first Masters victory in 1995, at just 19 years old, established him as the youngest winner of the event. His triumph last year at 48 also made him the oldest champion in the tournament’s history, a unique record.

The withdrawal comes after O’Sullivan’s challenging performance at the Championship League earlier this week. After losing three of four matches on Wednesday, he expressed visible frustration, including striking his cue against the table during a game against Robert Milkins.

Although he apologized to the referee and his opponent, reports emerged that he later threw his cue into a bin before it was retrieved.

O’Sullivan’s absence marks the second time in recent years he has opted out of the Masters, having also skipped the event in 2020. His withdrawal leaves the tournament without one of its most iconic players, but the inclusion of Robertson, a proven competitor, adds intrigue to the lineup.

The Masters begins on Sunday at Alexandra Palace, promising world-class snooker action despite the unexpected change in the roster.