Neil Robertson and Ronnie O’Sullivan (Image: Getty)
has broken his silence after being added to The Masters line-up following Ronnie O’Sullivan’s late withdrawal.
The second of the snooker season’s Triple Crown events is due to get underway on Sunday afternoon, but reigning champion O’Sullivan won’t be involved.
That’s because , as his nightmare start to 2025 continues.
Robertson, who had been ranked 17th prior to the cut-off for the Masters has since been ushered in as O’Sullivan’s replacement.
Speaking after he replaced O’Sullivan in the line-up, Robertson said: “From a personal point I’m buzzing to be in the Masters. But I really hope Ronnie’s okay.
“He’s been a bit indifferent in terms of his thoughts on the game this season.
“I hope he’s good and we see him back playing soon.
“It’s important if he’s feeling the way he I to pull out of the Masters, that he takes a break to refocus.”
Robertson will feature in the tournament’s opening match against John Higgins on Sunday afternoon.
Confirming O’Sullivan’s withdrawal, the WST issued a statement on Friday morning. It read: “Neil Robertson has replaced Ronnie O’Sullivan in the draw for the upcoming Johnstone’s Paint Masters.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan has endured a nightmare start to 2025 (Image: Getty)
“Last year’s champion O’Sullivan was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon, but has withdrawn on medical grounds.
“Higgins will now face Robertson, who was ranked in 17th position at the seeding cutoff after the Victorian Plumbing UK Championship.
“The Johnstone’s Paint Masters runs from January 12th to 19th at Alexandra Palace in London.”
It’s the second tournament O’Sullivan has withdrawn from this week, after cutting his participation in the Championship League short following a mid-game outburst against Robert Milkins.
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O’Sullivan was seen smashing his cue against the table after missing what looked like a simple pot in the third frame against Milkins – a game he was leading 2-1 but went on to lose 3-2.
Later in the same match, O’Sullivan barely took any notice to the state of the table when he sent a rogue shot crashing into several balls, before skulking away to his chair.
It was later confirmed that O’Sullivan, who still had one more match to play at the event, had pulled out. Speaking on commentary, Dave Hendon said: “Before later confirming his withdrawal from the tournament: “Ronnie O’Sullivan we saw earlier was clearly getting frustrated against Robert Milkins. He has made the decision to withdraw from the tournament so he won’t be playing his last match against Ali Carter.”