Ronnie O'Sullivan withdraws from 2026 Masters due to medical reasons

Eight-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the 2026 Masters because of medical reasons, the World Snooker Tour confirmed on Friday.

The World Snooker Tour (WST) confirmed that O'Sullivan would be absent from the event, which runs from 11-18 January.

He was originally scheduled to face Neil Robertson in the opening round on Wednesday, 14 January, at 7pm. O'Sullivan has been replaced by Chris Wakelin, the 17th seed at the cut-off point.

O'Sullivan's medical condition has not been made public. He withdrew from the Masters on medical grounds last year, making this his second consecutive withdrawal.

The rocket, who claimed his first Masters crown in 1995 at the age of 19, said he made the "nightmare decision".

O'Sullivan has withdrawn from a number of competitions in recent years, citing health issues and the need to put his mental well-being first. He has withdrawn from the World Grand Prix, Wuhan Open, and British Open.

The magician last competed at the UK Championship in December, where he lost to Zhou Yuelong of China 6-4 in the York Barbican's opening round.

The Englishman stated after his early withdrawal that he was unsure if he would compete at the Masters and would make a decision based on his feelings in January.

The Tour Championship in Manchester at the end of March or the World Championship in Sheffield in April will be O'Sullivan's next chance to compete in the United Kingdom.