Ronnie O’Sullivan: Defending champion withdraws from the Masters at Alexandra Palace

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan withdraws from the Masters just a couple of days before the start of the tournament; ‘The Rocket’ had been due to play fellow legend John Higgins in the first round at Alexandra Palace

Defending Masters champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled out of this year’s event on ‘medical grounds’

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled out of the Masters.

O’Sullivan won the title last January by defeating Ali Carter 10-7 in the final and is the all-time record winner with eight victories.

However, ‘The Rocket’ won’t be competing this year at Alexandra Palace in London on “medical grounds”, a statement from the World Snooker Tour said on Friday.

O’Sullivan had been due to play fellow legend John Higgins in the first round on Sunday, but his place will now be taken by Neil Robertson.

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