Defending champion O'Sullivan withdraws from Masters

Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters connected aesculapian grounds.

O'Sullivan, 49, was aiming to triumph a record-extending ninth title, and had been acceptable to look John Higgins successful a blockbuster opening to the tourney astatine Alexandra Palace connected Sunday.

The Englishman's spot successful the invitational lawsuit for the 16 highest-ranked players successful the satellite volition beryllium taken by Neil Robertson.

Like Higgins, the Australian is besides a two-time victor of the Masters and astir precocious triumphed successful 2022.