In a dramatic turn of events in the world of Snooker, Neil Robertson has finally broken his silence after being called up to the Masters line-up following Ronnie O’Sullivan’s unexpected withdrawal. The second of the snooker season’s Triple Crown events is set to commence on Sunday afternoon, but reigning champion O’Sullivan will not be part of the action.
“From a personal point I’m buzzing to be in the Masters. But I really hope Ronnie’s okay,” expressed Robertson, shedding light on the situation. “He’s been a bit indifferent in terms of his thoughts on the game this season. I hope he’s good and we see him back playing soon. It’s important if he’s feeling the way he is to pull out of the Masters, that he takes a break to refocus.”
Robertson’s entrance into the tournament will see him face John Higgins in the opening match. The unexpected change in the line-up has left fans and players alike speculating on the reasons behind O’Sullivan’s late withdrawal. The World Snooker Tour (WST) issued a statement confirming Robertson’s replacement of O’Sullivan in the upcoming Johnstone’s Paint Masters.
But what led to O’Sullivan’s sudden exit from the tournament? Reports indicate that the Rocket cited medical grounds for his withdrawal after enduring a nightmare start to 2025. This decision has paved the way for Higgins to square off against Robertson, who was ranked 17th at the seeding cutoff after the Victorian Plumbing UK Championship.
It seems that O’Sullivan’s turbulent week continued as he withdrew from the Championship League due to a mid-game outburst against Robert Milkins, where he smashed his cue against the table in frustration. Despite leading the game 2-1, O’Sullivan suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat after losing his composure.
The Johnstone’s Paint Masters, scheduled from January 12th to 19th at Alexandra Palace in London, is now shrouded in uncertainty with O’Sullivan’s unexpected absence. Will Higgins and Robertson rise to the occasion in the wake of O’Sullivan’s departure? Only time will tell as the snooker world braces for an unpredictable turn of events.
