Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled out of The Masters just 48 hours before the tournament is set to begin.
The eight-time Masters champion, 50, was due to face Australian Neil Robertson on Wednesday evening for the final match of round one.
But his slot in the draw will now be taken by Scottish Open winner Chris Wakelin who had been sitting in reserve.
According to multiple reports, the Rocket had been ill recently and was feeling “physically drained”.
PICTURED: Ronnie O’Sullivan in the first round match against China’s Zhou Yuelong on day 4 of the 2025 UK Championship
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The 50-year-old great is said not to have taken the decision lightly.
He is gutted he is missing one of his favourite events, but wanted to be fair to paying fans and let them know as soon as he could, The Sun reports.
The unexpected exit means he has only played one game in Britain – last November – since he lost the Crucible semi-finals in May 2025.
O’Sullivan had also pulled out of the 2025 Masters.
