Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the 2025 Masters at the Alexandra Palace citing medical grounds, it was announced on Friday.
The Rocket was scheduled to face old foe John Higgins in the first round on the opening day of the prestigious invitational in London.
But O’Sullivan has endured a difficult 2024/25 snooker season so far, pulling out of numerous tournaments at the last minute.
The 49 year-old participated in Group 3 of Championship League Snooker on Wednesday and Thursday at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester.
However, he pulled out midway through the round-robin phase having lost four out of the five fixtures he had contested.
O’Sullivan appeared to experience tip troubles during his outing with Robert Milkins, where his indifferent form also got the better of him as he rattled his cue against the table in frustration before apologising to his opponent and the referee.
It was later reported that the seven-time world champion had thrown his cue in the bin before leaving the venue.
He was due to face Ali Carter in his final round-robin match but duly withdrew from the event and has followed that up a day later by opting to skip the calendar’s second-biggest competition.
The World Snooker Tour released a statement on Friday morning, which read: “Last year’s champion [Ronnie] O’Sullivan was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon, but has withdrawn on medical grounds.”
It’s the sixth time this season that O’Sullivan has pulled out of an event on the calendar.
Neil Robertson is the beneficiary on this occasion, with the Australian set to accept O’Sullivan’s position in the 2025 Masters draw.
Robertson was ranked as the world number 17 at the end of the UK Championship, when the top 16 spots for the Masters were confirmed.
“From a personal point, I’m buzzing to be in the Masters,” Neil Robertson said after learning of his unlikely ticket to compete for the £350,000 top prize.
“But I really hope Ronnie’s okay. He’s been a bit indifferent in terms of his thoughts on the game this season.”
“I hope he’s good and we see him back playing soon. It’s important, if he’s feeling the way he is to pull out of the Masters, that he takes a break to refocus.”
The 42 year-old, who won the Masters in 2012 and 2022, will instead have the opportunity to challenge Higgins at the Ally Pally on Sunday.
News of the absence of Ronnie O’Sullivan will prove disappointing to snooker fans around the world who were hoping to see him go for a record-extending ninth crown.
But there will still be plenty of star quality on show in the English capital city, with Robertson representing a marquee-name replacement.
The 2025 Masters runs from January 12th to 19th, with a record total prize fund and champion’s cheque on offer this year.
2025 Masters snooker draw
Neil Robertson vs John Higgins
Shaun Murphy vs Gary Wilson
Mark Allen vs Si Jiahui
Mark Selby vs Ali Carter
Judd Trump vs Barry Hawkins
Mark Williams vs Ding Junhui
Luca Brecel vs Chris Wakelin
Kyren Wilson vs Zhang Anda
Featured photo credit: WST
I hope someone told Robertson where and when he is due to play.
Fair points all round. It’s almost 12 months now that something has seemed to me to be unsettled and unhappy about Ronnie O’Sullivan. It’s a good chance for Robertson to continue his own slow and steady career rehabilitation. For the tournament itself it’s difficult to think of another player better than Robertson to step in for the rocket.