Record eight-times Masters champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from this year's tournament on medical grounds, organisers said on Friday. Englishman O'Sullivan, 49, had been set to face fellow great John Higgins in a blockbuster first-round clash at the 16-player invitational tournament staged at Alexandra Palace.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace at short notice “on medical grounds”.

Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Snooker Masters on medical grounds, the World Snooker Tour revealed

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.

Snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters at Alexandra Palace on medical grounds, bringing his quest for a record-extending ninth title to an end before it even started.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace at short notice “on medical grounds”.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REIGNING CHAMPION RONNIE O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters on medical grounds.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

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters and will not defend his title at Alexandra Palace this month. World Snooker Tour confirmed on Friday morning that the Rocket has withdrawn ‘on medical grounds’ and will be replaced in the draw by Neil Robertson.