Overview

• Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion and reigning Masters champion, has pulled out of the 2025 Masters tournament due to medical reasons.
• O’Sullivan was scheduled to face long-time rival John Higgins in the tournament’s opening match on Sunday at Alexandra Palace in London.
• Neil Robertson, a two-time Masters champion and world No. 17, has been named as O’Sullivan’s replacement and will now compete against Higgins.
• The withdrawal follows a turbulent week for O’Sullivan, who struggled in the Championship League event, smashing his cue in frustration and exiting the competition early.
• This is not the first time O’Sullivan has withdrawn from a major event at short notice, raising questions about his recent form and health.