Snooker star sends message to Ronnie O'Sullivan after icon withdraws from Masters 'on medical grounds'
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Neil Robertson has wished Ronnie O'Sullivan well after he was added to The Masters line-up following the Rocket's withdrawal from the prestigious snooker tournament on medical grounds.
The second Triple Crown event of the season is set to begin this Sunday at Alexandra Palace in London.
O'Sullivan, the reigning Masters champion, will not defend his title in what continues a difficult start to 2025 for the snooker icon.
Robertson, who had been ranked 17th before the tournament's cut-off point, has been called up as O'Sullivan's replacement for the event running from January 12th to 19th.
Snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters on medical grounds
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Speaking after being named as O'Sullivan's replacement, Robertson expressed mixed emotions about the situation.
"From a personal point I'm buzzing to be in the Masters. But I really hope Ronnie's okay," said the Australian player.
Robertson noted O'Sullivan's recent uncertain relationship with the sport, stating: "He's been a bit indifferent in terms of his thoughts on the game this season.
"I hope he's good and we see him back playing soon.
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Snooker star Neil Robertson has replaced Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Masters
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"It's important if he's feeling the way he is to pull out of the Masters, that he takes a break to refocus."
Robertson will face John Higgins in the tournament's opening match on Sunday afternoon.
The World Snooker Tour (WST) confirmed O'Sullivan's withdrawal in a statement on Friday morning.
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"Neil Robertson has replaced Ronnie O'Sullivan in the draw for the upcoming Johnstone's Paint Masters," the statement read.
The WST explained that O'Sullivan withdrew on medical grounds from what would have been an opening match against Higgins.
Robertson earned his spot as next in line, having been ranked 17th after the Victorian Plumbing UK Championship.
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The tournament will take place at Alexandra Palace in London from January 12th to 19th.
This marks O'Sullivan's second tournament withdrawal this week, following his early exit from the Championship League.
During his match against Robert Milkins, O'Sullivan was seen smashing his cue against the table after missing what appeared to be a straightforward pot.
Snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan has struggled for consistency over the past 12 months
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The incident occurred in the third frame, which O'Sullivan was leading 2-1 before eventually losing 3-2.
Later in the same match, O'Sullivan showed apparent disinterest in the table's condition, making a reckless shot before returning to his chair.
Commentator Dave Hendon noted: "Ronnie O'Sullivan we saw earlier was clearly getting frustrated against Robert Milkins."
O'Sullivan subsequently withdrew from the Championship League before his scheduled match against Ali Carter.
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