Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters on medical grounds.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. The Englishman’s place in the invitational event for the 16 highest-ranked players in the world will be taken by Neil Robertson. Like Higgins, the Australian is a two-time winner of the Masters and most recently triumphed in 2022. O’Sullivan has won 41 ranking events and seven world titles during a storied career since turning professional in 1992 and claimed his first Masters crown in 1995 at the age of 19.
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