Snooker superstar Ronnie O'Sullivan will be absent from the Masters tournament next week after a late withdrawal from the prestigious event. The Rocket pulled out just two days before the action was set to begin at London's Alexandra Palace.
A Blockbuster Match Cancelled
The seven-time world champion was scheduled to play a highly-anticipated first-round match against Australia's Neil Robertson on Wednesday night. However, in an announcement made on Friday evening, the World Snooker Tour confirmed the 50-year-old's withdrawal, citing unspecified medical reasons.
O'Sullivan will be replaced in the draw by world number 17 Chris Wakelin, who now steps up to face Robertson in the opening round. This marks the second consecutive year that the snooker icon has withdrawn from the Masters, an event he has won a record eight times.
From Doubt to Apparent Commitment
The news follows a season of uncertainty regarding O'Sullivan's participation. In September, he told talkSPORT he was unlikely to compete, citing the difficulties of travel and jet lag after relocating his base to Dubai to be closer to his work commitments in China and the Middle East.
"The jet lag was crucifying," O'Sullivan explained at the time, outlining a limited schedule focused on the UK Championship, the Tour Championship, and the World Championship.
Despite this, signs later pointed towards a change of heart. He was granted his preferred late slot in the first round, and snooker figures, including Stephen Hendry and Neil Robertson's coach Joe Perry, expressed confidence he would play. Former professional Fergal O'Brien also reported that O'Sullivan had been practising hard in Ireland ahead of the tournament.
Withdrawal and Reaction
The decision to withdraw was finally confirmed on Friday. While no specific medical details were released, reports suggest O'Sullivan has been unwell and feeling physically drained, though he is reportedly on the mend.
His manager, Jason Francis, responded to criticism of the withdrawal on social media platform X, stating, "Clearly if he felt well enough to play he would have." Francis also countered claims that fans had bought tickets specifically to see O'Sullivan, noting the event sold out before the match schedule was announced.
Unlike last year, when he withdrew but still attended as a television pundit, O'Sullivan will not be present at Alexandra Palace at all for the 2026 tournament. His next competitive appearance is now uncertain, though he is entered in the German Masters, which begins in Berlin on January 26.
The revised first-round match between Neil Robertson and Chris Wakelin will proceed as the final fixture of the opening round on Wednesday, January 14.
