Ronnie O'Sullivan withdraws from Masters defence on 'medical grounds' as Neil Robertson takes his place - The 49-year-old withdrew from the Champions League this week after a frustrated display

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 won't defend his crown at next week's Masters and will be replaced by Neil Robertson, World Snooker Tour has confirmed.

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 legend John Higgins in the first round a

Like Higgins, the Australian is also a two-time winner of the Masters and most recently triumphed in 2022. More to follow.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace at short notice “on medical grounds”.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

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters and will not defend his title at Alexandra Palace this month. World Snooker Tour confirmed on Friday morning that the Rocket has withdrawn ‘on medical grounds’ and will be replaced in the draw by Neil Robertson.