O'Sullivan withdraws from Masters for medical reasons

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters for medical reasons and has been replaced in the draw by Chris Wakelin. The exact nature of his condition has not been disclosed.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters for medical reasons. He was due to face Neil Robertson in the opening round but has been replaced in the draw by Chris Wakelin. The 50-year-old won a record-extending eighth Masters title in 2024 and also missed last year's event for medical reasons. O'Sullivan has previously cited medical or mental-health reasons when withdrawing from tournaments. Key details: - Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters and the precise nature of his medical condition has not been disclosed. - He was scheduled to play Australian Neil Robertson in the opening round and has been replaced by Scottish Open champion Chris Wakelin. - The 50-year-old is currently ranked world number eight and won his eighth Masters title in 2024. - O'Sullivan last played at the UK Championship in December, where he lost 6-4 to Zhou Yuelong, and has missed other events in recent years citing medical or mental-health reasons. Summary: O'Sullivan's withdrawal changes the Masters draw with Chris Wakelin taking his place in the opening round. The exact nature of his condition remains undisclosed. His next listed opportunities to play competitively in Britain are the Tour Championship in Manchester at the end of March or the World Championship in Sheffield in April.