Snooker superstar Ronnie O'Sullivan has delivered a fresh blow to fans by withdrawing from the prestigious Masters tournament for a second consecutive year. The shock announcement came just two days before the event was due to begin at Alexandra Palace.
Another Sudden Exit from a Major Tournament
The 50-year-old champion, who triumphed at the Masters in 2024, was scheduled to face Australia's Neil Robertson in the opening round this Wednesday. He will now be replaced by Scottish Open winner Chris Wakelin. While the precise medical reason for his withdrawal remains private, it continues a pattern of absences that has defined his recent season.
O'Sullivan had previously hinted at a potential non-participation, telling talkSPORT in September last year, "I probably won't play the Masters this year." He later softened this stance, explaining that his relocation to Dubai meant he had to be more selective with his tournament schedule, but would play if possible.
A Pattern of Physical and Mental Health Challenges
This latest withdrawal is not an isolated incident. The Rocket has missed several key events this season, including the Wuhan Open and the British Open, often citing health concerns or the need to protect his mental wellbeing.
His struggles have been both physical and psychological. In March 2023, he suffered a torn right arm muscle during a gym session, an injury that recurred and forced him out of events like the WST Classic. Later in 2023, he battled plantar fasciitis, pain from which led him to break snooker's formal dress code by wearing trainers during UK Championship matches.
However, the mental pressures have appeared even more significant. O'Sullivan described his 2025 Masters withdrawal as a "nightmare decision" made under immense pressure, admitting he had "lost the plot." This period saw him break his cue after a loss and withdraw from the Championship League. In April 2025, he confessed to being "scared to go near a snooker table" and feared he had "lost his bottle," highlighting a severe crisis of confidence.
Calls for Support and an Uncertain Future
The seven-time world champion has long been open about his mental health, frequently seeking help from renowned psychiatrist Steve Peters. He has also repeatedly called on the World Snooker Tour to provide better support, suggesting a full-time mental health professional should be present at all tournaments.
O'Sullivan's most recent competitive outing was a surprising 6-4 first-round defeat to China's Zhou Yuelong at December's UK Championship. After that loss, he stated he was uncertain about playing in the Masters and would decide in January based on his condition.
His next opportunity to compete in the UK will now likely be the Tour Championship in Manchester, starting in late March, or the World Championship in Sheffield this April. For now, the snooker world is left waiting to see when one of its greatest ever players will return to the baize, as he continues to navigate the complex challenges of sustaining a top-level career in his fifties.
