Record eight-times Masters champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from this year's tournament on medical grounds, organisers said on Friday. Englishman O'Sullivan, 49, had been set to face fellow great John Higgins in a blockbuster first-round clash at the 16-player invitational tournament staged at Alexandra Palace.

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

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace at short notice “on medical grounds”.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Championship League tournament, just days before his first round match against John Higgins at the Masters. The 49-year-old is aiming to win a record-extending ninth Masters title in the coming days but his preparations for the much-anticipated event have been far from ideal.

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Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters and will not defend his title at Alexandra Palace this month. World Snooker Tour confirmed on Friday morning that the Rocket has withdrawn ‘on medical grounds’ and will be replaced in the draw by Neil Robertson.