Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace at short notice “on medical grounds”.

Record eight-times Masters champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from this year's tournament on medical grounds, organisers said on Friday.

Ronnie O'Sullivan had been due to begin the defence of his Masters title on Sunday against John Higgins but has been replaced in the draw by Neil Robertson

A statement from the World Snooker Tour 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 Last year’s champion O’Sullivan was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon, but has withdrawn on medical grounds.”

Snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters at Alexandra Palace on medical grounds, bringing his quest for a record-extending ninth title to an end before it even started.

Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters on medical grounds. O'Sullivan, 49, was aiming to win a record-extending ninth title, and had been set to face John Higgins in a blockbuster opening to the tournament at Alexandra Palace on Sunday.

REIGNING CHAMPION RONNIE O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters on medical grounds. The world No 3, who has won the competition eight times, was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon.

Masters has been dealt a huge blow with defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan withdrawing from the tournament. The World Snooker Tour confirmed O'Sullivan's withdrawal on Friday morning, announcing Neil Roberston would be replacing him.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters and will not defend his title at Alexandra Palace this month. World Snooker Tour confirmed on Friday morning that the Rocket has withdrawn ‘on medical grounds’ and will be replaced in the draw by Neil Robertson.