Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew from the 2025 Masters last week, just days before he was due to face John Higgins in the opening match at Alexandra Palace on Sunday
Ronnie O’Sullivan has fiercely declared he’ll bounce back after his shock withdrawal from the prestigious Masters.
‘The Rocket’, 49, unexpectedly bowed out of the high-profile tournament just days before he was due to clash with John Higgins in a highly-anticipated match at Alexandra Palace on Sunday (January 12), citing health reasons for his exit.
This decision followed his frustrated response during the Championship League snooker event, during which he slammed his cue in dismay during a narrow 3-2 loss to Robert Milkins. He also subsequently pulled out of his last group-stage match in Leicester, indicating all was not well.
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In recent times, O’Sullivan’s discontent with his performance has been plain to see, and rumours buzzed about a possible retirement.
However, it seems there’s still some sparkle left in the seven-time world champ, as revealed by rock star icon Ronnie Wood, who shared private texts on Eurosport, disclosing O’Sullivan’s mindset: “I texted Ronnie and said, ‘sorry about your cue, mate’. He said, ‘don’t worry, I’ll be back, I’m just a bit tired at the moment’.”
For the legion of O’Sullivan fans, this insider news calms the nerves, much like the words shared by snooker legend Jimmy White on air: “It’s a little bit disappointing for everyone, but he’s such a perfectionist,” he said.
“I spoke to him yesterday. He’s fine. He’s got a few things to sort out. He always wants to give 100 per cent. 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 aren’t right. We’ll have to wait and see and speak to him,” reports the Mirror.
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O’Sullivan was initially expected to defend his title this week, seeking an unprecedented ninth Masters trophy, but Neil Robertson has since replaced him.
The Aussie sensationally turned the tables on Higgins in a jaw-dropping rally from 5-1 down to seize a 6-5 win. Shaun Murphy also made headlines with a 6-3 triumph over Gary Wilson in Sunday’s riveting face-off.