Snooker superstar Ronnie O'Sullivan has made a shock withdrawal from the upcoming Masters tournament, citing medical reasons. The decision comes less than two days before the prestigious event was set to begin at London's Alexandra Palace.
Last-Minute Withdrawal Shakes Tournament
The 50-year-old, known as 'The Rocket', was scheduled to face former champion Neil Robertson in a blockbuster first-round match. This marks the second consecutive year that O'Sullivan, an eight-time Masters winner, will be absent from the competition. World Snooker confirmed the news in an official statement, though the precise nature of the medical issue remains undisclosed.
Reports from The Sun indicate O'Sullivan has been 'feeling physically drained and has been ill recently but is on the mend'. His participation had been in doubt, despite preparations which included practicing in an Irish pub. The snooker icon, who now lives in Dubai with his wife Laila Rouass and runs an academy in Saudi Arabia, also opted out of last year's Masters, stating at the time he was not in the right headspace.
A Sparse Season and a Replacement Steps In
O'Sullivan's appearance on UK soil has been rare. Since his semi-final defeat to eventual champion Zhao Xintong at last year's World Championship in Sheffield, he has contested just one match in the country. That was a first-round exit at the UK Championship in York last November.
His withdrawal opens the door for reserve player Chris Wakelin, the reigning Scottish Open champion, to step into the field. Wakelin will now take O'Sullivan's place in the draw, gaining a coveted spot in one of snooker's Triple Crown events.
Tournament Proceeds Without Its Biggest Star
The 2025 Johnstone's Paint Masters will proceed without its most famous competitor. O'Sullivan's last triumph at the event was in 2024, when he secured a record-extending eighth title. His absence is a significant blow to the tournament's profile, though the show will go on at Ally Pally from Sunday until January 18.
Fans and pundits will now be left to speculate on when they might next see the mercurial talent in action on a major UK stage, as he continues to manage his schedule and well-being from his base overseas.
