By WILL GRIFFEE

Published: 23:51 GMT, 9 January 2026 | Updated: 23:56 GMT, 9 January 2026

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters on medical grounds less than 48 hours before the prestigious tournament starts. 

The snooker legend, who is the most famous player in his sport and has won the Masters eight times, was supposed to be playing Neil Robertson in round one but will no longer be participating. 

O'Sullivan, 50, will miss the Masters for the second year in succession. The Sun report that he is 'feeling physically drained and has been ill recently but is on the mend'. 

The exact nature of the medical reasons for his withdrawal have not been officially disclosed.  

'Rocket' had planned on taking part and was practicing for the event by training in an Irish pub. 

But he has only played one match in the UK since losing in the semi-final of the World Championship at the Crucible last year, when he lost to eventual winner Zhao Xintong. 

Ronnie O'Sullivan will not be playing at the Masters at Alexandra Palace this year 

O'Sullivan and his  wife Laila Rouass moved to Dubai and he has a snooker academy in Saudi

That singular match was at the UK Championship in York last November when he tasted defeat in the first round.

O'Sullivan, who is now based in Dubai with wife Laila Rouass, decided not to play at the Masters last year either as he was not in a sound headspace. 

Prior to the competition he had snapped his cue in frustration during a match in the Champions League the week before. 

O'Sullivan's loss is Chris Wakelin's gain and the Scottish Open champion moves up from his reserve spot to take his place at the Masters. 

In 2024, O'Sullivan won the Masters for a record-extending eighth time but this marks two years of not competing in it. 

World Snooker said in a statement: 'Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Johnstone's Paint Masters for medical reasons.'

The tournament at Alexandra Palace starts on Sunday and runs until January 18.