Jimmy White was left completely taken aback by Ronnie O’Sullivan’s decision to pull out of the Masters, particularly given what he’d heard about the snooker legend’s preparations.
The 62-year-old had been under the impression that O’Sullivan was all set to compete at Alexandra Palace, having received word that the seven-time world champion had been putting in the work beforehand.
Speaking from the TNT Sports studio, White said: “I know he has been practising.
“I heard he was in Ireland playing with Aaron Hill and Jordan Brown, so his preparation was good for this event.
Ronnie O’Sullivan pulled out of the Masters, shocking Jimmy White
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PA
“We all thought he was going to play in the event.”
The World Snooker Tour confirmed O’Sullivan’s withdrawal just days before the tournament kicked off, citing medical reasons for his absence.
The 50-year-old had been due to take on former world champion Neil Robertson in the opening round on Wednesday evening.
WST released a statement saying: “Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Johnstone’s Paint Masters for medical reasons.
“O’Sullivan was due to face Neil Robertson in the opening round on Wednesday, January 14th at 7pm.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has spoken candidly about his mental health struggles in recent years | PA
“He has been replaced in the draw by Chris Wakelin, who was 17th seed at the cut-off point.”
Wakelin, ranked 14th in the world, stepped in but fell to a 6-2 defeat against the Australian.
White has expressed real concern that O’Sullivan’s continued absence from competitive action could seriously damage his prospects at the Crucible in April.
The snooker icon is chasing a record eighth World Championship crown, which would see him surpass Stephen Hendry’s tally of seven titles.
White added: “The more this goes on without match practice, going into trying to beat Stephen Hendry’s record of winning eight world titles, which is coming up in three months’ time, it is not a lot of match practice for sharpness.
“It would just be nice to see him play, he is wonderful to watch.”
Jimmy White was surprised by Ronnie O’Sullivan’s decision to withdraw
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GETTYWhite wasn’t the only one caught off guard by O’Sullivan’s decision to withdraw from the prestigious event.
World number 10 Mark Allen also admitted he hadn’t seen it coming, particularly after spending time on the practice table with the Rocket in recent weeks.
Following his first-round victory over Mark Williams, the Northern Irishman told TNT Sports: “I was very surprised. I was practising with him just before the UK [Championship] and what he was saying, he was leaning towards playing here.
“I hope that whatever has gone on he is okay because the game is better with him in it.”
