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

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

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from The Masters because of medical reasons.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.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters and will not defend his title at Alexandra Palace this month. World Snooker Tour confirmed on Friday morning that the Rocket has withdrawn ‘on medical grounds’ and will be replaced in the draw by Neil Robertson.

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.

Snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters at Alexandra Palace on medical grounds, bringing his quest for a record-extending ninth title to an end before it even started.

Defending champion Ronnie OSullivan withdraws from the Masters just a couple of days before the start of the tournament; The Rocket had been due to play fellow Class of 92 legend John Higgins in the f

Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters on medical grounds.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.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace at short notice “on medical grounds”. O’Sullivan was the defending Masters champion after beating Ali Carter in the final last year and was due to face long-time rival John Higgins in the opening match of the tournament on Sunday afternoon but has pulled out just 48 hours beforehand.

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan abandons Masters defence on health grounds - Neil Robertson has replaced O’Sullivan in the draw.

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.