Ronnie O'Sullivan withdraws from Snooker Masters on health grounds

London: Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of the Snooker Masters on medical grounds, the World Snooker Tour confirmed on Friday. The prestigious invitation tournament, featuring the top 16 players from the World Snooker Tour, is set to begin on Sunday at Alexandra Palace in London. O'Sullivan, 49, was scheduled to play against John Higgins in the opening match of the tournament.

O'Sullivan’s withdrawal follows a controversial exit from a Championship League event, where he was defeated by Robert Milkins. During the match, O'Sullivan visibly expressed his frustration by striking his cue against the table after missing a relatively easy pot, according to reports by Xinhua. Australia's Neil Robertson, who was ranked 17th in the seeding cutoff after the UK Championship, will now replace O'Sullivan in the Masters.

Meanwhile, China's Ding Junhui will face veteran Mark Williams in the first round on Monday. The other two Chinese players, Si Jiahui and Zhang Anda, will start their campaigns on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Si will play against Mark Allen, while Zhang will take on Kyren Wilson.

O'Sullivan, widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players of all time, has had a remarkable career. A seven-time World Snooker Champion, O'Sullivan shares the record with Stephen Hendry. He is also the record holder for the most Masters titles (eight) and UK Championship titles (eight), with a total of 23 Triple Crown titles, more than any other player in history.

Born in Wordsley, England, O'Sullivan took up Hong Kong residency earlier this year through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, as announced by the Hong Kong immigration department.

Turning professional in 1992 at the age of 16, O'Sullivan quickly became one of the sport's most accomplished and celebrated figures. In addition to his seven World Championship titles, he has also won three World Grand Prix titles, two Players Championship titles, four Welsh Open titles, two Scottish Open titles, two German Masters titles, and numerous other prestigious accolades, solidifying his legacy as one of snooker's all-time greats.

With IANS inputs