Ronnie O’Sullivan is not going to characteristic at Alexandra Palace for the second successive yr after withdrawing for unspecified medical causes; O’Sullivan to get replaced within the draw by Chris Wakelin, who will now face Neil Robertson in spherical one on Wednesday
Final Up to date: 09/01/26 11:51pm
Ronnie O’Sullivan was final in motion on the UK Championship in December
Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled out of the Masters on medical grounds for the
second yr in a row.
O’Sullivan claimed a record-extending eighth win on the match in 2024 however opted towards defending his crown 12 months in the past, giving the identical cause as he has for his newest withdrawal.
The present world quantity eight was attributable to get his marketing campaign beneath approach towards Australia’s Neil Robertson on Wednesday, however World Snooker introduced Chris Wakelin will as an alternative take the Englishman’s place.
O’Sullivan, who turned 50 final month, has issued contradictory statements about whether or not he would play at Alexandra Palace, telling talkSPORT in September: “I probably won’t play the Masters this year.”
Nonetheless, O’Sullivan later instructed The Solar in November he would play “if I can”, explaining his transfer to Dubai final summer time meant he must choose and select what tournaments to prioritise.
O’Sullivan was final in motion earlier than Christmas on the UK Championship, the place he has gained a document eight titles though on this event he was eradicated within the first spherical after dropping to Zhou Yuelong.
World Snooker stated in a press release: “Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Johnstone’s Paint Masters for medical reasons.
“O’Sullivan was attributable to face Neil Robertson within the opening spherical on Wednesday January 14th at 7pm. He has been changed within the draw by Chris Wakelin who was seventeenth seed on the cut-off level.”
The precise nature of the medical situation has not been disclosed.
