Ronnie O’Sullivan WITHDRAWS from Masters on medical grounds a day after snooker ace ‘threw cue in bin’ and quit event
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RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has withdrawn from the Masters just days before his title defence. The defending Masters champion, 49, cut a frustrated figure as he dramatically quit the Championship League on Thursday. O'Sullivan reportedly threw his cue in the bin following a chaotic 3-2 loss to Robert Milkins.
![[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)
The Rocket apologised to Milkins and the ref after twice rapping his cue against the table during the Group 3 match. He entered the contest on a rough losing run after falling to defeat in four of his opening five matches in the tournament. Ronnie he has dropped out of the Masters just two days before the schedule start on medical grounds.
He had been due to play in the first round against John Higgins on Sunday. O'Sullivan has now been replaced in the draw by Neil Robertson. A statement from the WST read: "Neil Robertson has replaced Ronnie O'Sullivan in the draw for the upcoming Johnstone's Paint Masters.
"Last year's champion O'Sullivan was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon, but has withdrawn on medical grounds. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS. "Higgins will now face Robertson, who was ranked in 17th position at the seeding cutoff after the Victorian Plumbing UK Championship.
"The Johnstone's Paint Masters runs from January 12th to 19th at Alexandra Palace in London.". O'Sullivan dropped out of several events in late 2024, including the Scottish Open. Snooker legend Stephen Hendry has questioned if The Rocket's "competitive spirit" remains to keep playing.
