Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Championship League tournament, just days before his first round match against John Higgins at the Masters. The 49-year-old is aiming to win a record-extending ninth Masters title in the coming days but his preparations for the much-anticipated event have been far from ideal.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has candidly admitted he regrets becoming a professional snooker player despite cementing himself as an all-time great of the sport. The seven-time world champion had been due to begin the defence of his Masters title on Sunday, but has now withdrawn from the Triple Crown event on medical grounds.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of the 2025 Masters, it was confirmed on Friday. The defending champion was due to play John Higgins in the first round.

The seven-time world champion has made a last-minute decision to pull out of this year's Masters, a day after whacking his cue on the table in frustration during a defeat to Rob Milkins.

Neil Robertson has wished Ronnie O'Sullivan well after he was added to The Masters line-up following the Rocket's withdrawal from the prestigious snooker tournament on medical grounds. The second Triple Crown event of the season is set to begin this Sunday at Alexandra Palace in London.

Ronnie O'Sullivan was last seen smashing his cue in a fit of frustration only a day before the snooker star's dramatic withdrawal from the 2025 Masters. The 49-year-old was scheduled to play the first match of the tournament against John Higgins as the top 16 players from around the world gather for the Triple Crown event.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace at short notice “on medical grounds”.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

REIGNING CHAMPION RONNIE O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters on medical grounds. The world No 3, who has won the competition eight times, was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon.

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.