‘It’s a shame, he needs to take his time’ – Robertson opens up on replacing Ronnie O’Sullivan after Masters withdrawal
Share:
NEIL ROBERTSON aims to make the most of his Masters “free hit” – especially after his costly Christmas qualifying blunder. Robbo, 42, has been parachuted into the first round – he faces Scottish potting legend John Higgins on Sunday afternoon – after the Rocket, 49, pulled out on medical grounds.
![[Ronnie O'Sullivan and Neil Robertson shake hands with a trophy.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/l-england-neil-robertson-australia-478121115.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The Australian hopes the seven-time world champion, who has been struggling with his game, gets better and returns soon to the baize. But like Denmark at Euro 92 or John Daly at the 1991 US PGA Championship, The Thunder from Down Under hopes he can achieve glory despite being a last-minute sub – and the carrot is a £350,000 winners’ cheque.
![[Ronnie O'Sullivan playing snooker.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/alamy-live-news-image-part-960241719_0f0489.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Robertson, the 2012 and 2022 Masters champion, told SunSport: “I guess it’s a free hit. I haven’t had to worry about the build-up to the tournament. “It’s pretty short notice but in some ways that can be a good thing. It’s about enjoying the experience.
![[Neil Robertson at the UK Championship.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/day-four-2024-952369602_c0e7f5.jpg?strip=all&w=679)
“It’s a shame from the tournament point of view that Ronnie isn’t there. Whenever Ronnie isn’t involved, it’s a shame. “Ronnie always has so much expectation in every event he plays in. There’s always more people and media when he’s playing.
“He needs to take his time. There’s no rush to get back. He has been at the top for so long. Just be patient, let him come back when he wants to play. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS. “He won’t play for the sake of it – he’ll only play if he feels he can compete at the highest level.
