Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace at short notice “on medical grounds”.

Ronnie O'Sullivan had been due to begin the defence of his Masters title on Sunday against John Higgins but has been replaced in the draw by Neil Robertson

The Rocket has pulled out of his attempt to secure a ninth Masters crown at the 11th hour with organisers citing 'health issues'

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 Last year’s champion O’Sullivan was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon, but has withdrawn on medical grounds.”

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from The Masters because of medical reasons. The defending champion had been due to face John Higgins on Sunday afternoon, but now won't compete at the event in London. Neil Robertson has been named as The Rocket's replacement and will feature in the tournament's opening match against Higgins.

Neil Robertson has wished Ronnie O'Sullivan well after he was added to The Masters line-up following the Rocket's withdrawal from the prestigious snooker tournament on medical grounds. The second Triple Crown event of the season is set to begin this Sunday at Alexandra Palace in London.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of the 2025 Masters, it was confirmed on Friday. The defending champion was due to play John Higgins in the first round.

Record eight-times Masters champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from this year's tournament on medical grounds, organisers said on Friday. Englishman O'Sullivan, 49, had been set to face fellow great John Higgins in a blockbuster first-round clash at the 16-player invitational tournament staged at Alexandra Palace.

Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters on medical grounds. O'Sullivan, 49, was aiming to win a record-extending ninth title, and had been set to face John Higgins in a blockbuster opening to the tournament at Alexandra Palace on Sunday.

Masters has been dealt a huge blow with defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan withdrawing from the tournament. The World Snooker Tour confirmed O'Sullivan's withdrawal on Friday morning, announcing Neil Roberston would be replacing him.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters and will not defend his title at Alexandra Palace this month. World Snooker Tour confirmed on Friday morning that the Rocket has withdrawn ‘on medical grounds’ and will be replaced in the draw by Neil Robertson.