John Higgins message to Ronnie O’Sullivan speaks volumes amid Masters absence

Ronnie O’Sullivan made the decision to withdraw from the Masters and John Higgins was one of many snooker stars to send a message to his rival

John Higgins sent a touching message to Ronnie O’Sullivan, saying “health is more important” after his long-standing adversary withdrew from the Masters on medical grounds.

The snooker legends were set to clash in the prestigious Triple Crown event’s opening match, but O’Sullivan had to step back, leading to Neil Robertson stepping in as his replacement.

O’Sullivan’s frustration was palpable during his last appearance at the Championship League, where he aggressively hit his cue on the table during a 3-2 loss to Robert Milkins and appeared to surrender towards the end, recklessly breaking into the pack.He then pulled out of his subsequent match against Ali Carter that afternoon, and it didn’t come as a shock when he announced his withdrawal from the Masters too. Upon learning he wouldn’t be facing O’Sullivan at the Masters, potentially for the final time ever, Higgins expressed his disappointment but prioritised O’Sullivan’s wellbeing, reports the Express.

Speaking to the BBC, Higgins said: “Gutted that I wasn’t playing Ronnie. We played here 30 years ago in a final so it would have been good to walk out there again with him. But listen, his health is more important. If he’s going through some tough times just now. I just hope he gets better.”

Jimmy White, weighing in on the health of fellow snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, informed Eurosport: “I spoke to him yesterday. He’s fine. He’s got a few things to sort out. He always wants to give 100%.

“Hopefully he’ll be coming in the studio and be explaining a bit more in detail. But he’s fine. He just likes to perform at his best and he just thinks a few things weren’t right. We’ll have to wait and see and speak to him.”

Mark Allen, temporarily offering insights as pundit and commentator for the BBC while still competing himself, shared similar views with Higgins. He said: “You could see the frustration whenever Ronnie was playing the other day.

“But sometimes it is not snooker that causes that it can be outside things so you never really know what is going on. We all wish Ronnie well because snooker is better with him.”Commenting on O’Sullivan’s uncertain timetable, Allen elaborated: “He could turn up at one of the most obscure events or he might just wait to the World Championship and tease us all. Just wish him well. He will pick and choose when he wants to come back.”