Overview
- The World Snooker Tour confirmed O’Sullivan’s withdrawal for medical reasons, with no further details disclosed.
- Chris Wakelin, the 17th seed at the cut-off, has been added to the draw to occupy the vacated place.
- O’Sullivan had been scheduled to play Neil Robertson on Wednesday, 14 January, at 7 p.m. GMT.
- The Masters is set for 11–18 January at London’s Alexandra Palace.
- O’Sullivan had given mixed signals about entering the event and most recently lost in the UK Championship first round to Zhou Yuelong, continuing a pattern of health-related absences.