Ronnie O’Sullivan: Defending champion withdrew from the Masters at Alexandra Palace | Snooker News

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew from the Masters just days before the start of the tournament. ‘The Rocket’ had to play John Higgins of Class 92 fame at Alexandra Palace in the first round.

Masters champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from this year’s tournament ‘for medical reasons’.

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan withdraws from the Masters.

O’Sullivan won the title last January with a 10-7 win over Ali Carter and holds the all-time record with eight wins.

However, ‘The Rocket’ will not compete at London’s Alexandra Palace this year for “medical reasons”, a World Snooker Tour statement said on Friday.

O’Sullivan was due to play fellow legend John Higgins in Sunday’s first round, but his place will be taken by Neil Robertson in the tournament, which runs until January 19.

O’Sullivan withdrew from the Snooker Championship on Thursday

The news comes after seven-time world champion O’Sullivan pulled out of the Snooker Championship League and threw his cue into the bin on Thursday.

The 49-year-old appeared to be struggling in his side on Wednesday, having made four appearances in the tournament, losing three of them.

He then angrily slammed the cue on the table and kicked the white ball to the red team in Thursday morning’s loss to Robert Milkins, before pulling out of an afternoon tie with Carter.

World Snooker Tour statement: “Neil Robertson replaces Ronnie O’Sullivan at the upcoming Johnstone Color Masters.”

“Last year’s champion O’Sullivan was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon but has withdrawn due to medical reasons.”