Ronnie O'Sullivan will not be defending his 2024 Masters title when the 2025 tournament kicks off this month at Alexandra Palace. O'Sullivan beat Ali Carter in the 2024 final, but his defence of the other Triple Crown event,

A statement from the World Snooker Tour read: “Neil Robertson has replaced Ronnie O’Sullivan in the draw for the upcoming Johnstone’s Paint Masters. Last year’s champion O’Sullivan was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon, but has withdrawn on medical grounds.”

Record eight-times Masters champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from this year's tournament on medical grounds, organisers said on Friday.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from The Masters because of medical reasons.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

Snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters on medical grounds at Alexandra Palace, bringing his quest for a record-extending ninth title to an end.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has been forced to withdraw from The Masters due to medical reasons, with Neil Robertson stepping in to face John Higgins in the first round

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace at short notice “on medical grounds”.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.

Neil Robertson has wished Ronnie O'Sullivan well after he was added to The Masters line-up following the Rocket's withdrawal from the prestigious snooker tournament on medical grounds. The second Triple Crown event of the season is set to begin this Sunday at Alexandra Palace in London.

REIGNING CHAMPION RONNIE O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters on medical grounds. The world No 3, who has won the competition eight times, was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon.

A furious Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Champions League snooker and thrown his cue in the bin in a raging outburst

John Higgins has sparked controversy ahead of his Masters first-round clash with Ronnie O'Sullivan by suggesting his long-time rival is in decline. The Scottish snooker legend made the bold claim as he prepares to face the defending champion at Alexandra Palace.