Ronnie O’Sullivan Shocks Snooker World with Last-Minute Masters Withdrawal!

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, the all-time record holder with eight Masters titles, has withdrawn from the 2025 Masters, just days before the tournament’s start at Alexandra Palace, London. The announcement, made by World Snooker Tour (WST) on Friday, cited “medical grounds” as the reason for his withdrawal. O’Sullivan had been slated to face long-time rival and fellow “Class of ’92” legend John Higgins in the opening round on Sunday, a match highly anticipated by fans. His spot in the tournament will now be filled by Neil Robertson.

O’Sullivan’s withdrawal comes shortly after his exit from the Championship League earlier in the week. Struggling in Group Three in Leicester, O’Sullivan lost four of his first five games, including three defeats on Wednesday and another on Thursday, before deciding to pull out before his final group game. The seven-time World Champion displayed visible frustration during his last match against Robert Milkins, even smashing his cue on the table in a rare outburst. He promptly apologized to Milkins and the referee but was unable to reverse his form.

The snooker legend claimed his eighth Masters title last January by defeating Mark Allen 10-7 in the final. His absence leaves a significant void in this year’s competition and shifts focus to Neil Robertson, who now steps into his place. Fans of the sport will undoubtedly feel the loss of O’Sullivan’s presence, as he has been a cornerstone of the tournament’s history and a perennial favorite.