Ronnie O’Sullivan is absent from the 2025 Masters. (Image: Getty.)
has revealed that the snooker Players’ Association have reached out to after he concerningly pulled out of the .
The Rocket was due to enter the Triple Crown event as defending champion, but withdrew just two days before and was subsequently replaced by , who .
Fears were raised about O’Sullivan, who withdrew on medical grounds, after he cut a frustrated figure at the Championship League.
The seven-time world champion , effectively giving up as he was defeated 3-2 by Robert Milkins, then pulled out of his afternoon match against .
, and have been among those to wish O’Sullivan well during the Masters coverage, with Maguire as a senior figure on the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) World Governing Body board, confirming that he has been contacted.
“The first port of call, particularly as chairman of the Players Association, is to make sure he’s okay,” Murphy told . “We’ve got a duty of care to our members to make sure that if there is a problem, then we reach out to them and offer them support.
“Neil Tomkins, who works for the board, I believe, has reached out to him. And as I say, it’s our duty of care as a member’s association to look after each other.
Shaun Murphy confirmed that Ronnie O’Sullivan has been contacted. (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“From a WPBSA player’s point of view, we send him all our best regards. We hope he’s okay. If he needs us, we’re there for him, and I’m sure we’ll see him at some stage.”
And Murphy noted the struggles that O’Sullivan has had to endure as the face of snooker for 30 years.
“I’ve had moments in my career where I’ve been one of the flag bearers for the sport, an expectation of me has been high,” the 42-year-old explained.
“Ronnie’s had that since 1992 and he’s carried the sport on his shoulders, dragged people in from the streets, kicking and screaming to come and watch him play and to carry that weight of expectancy for that length of time must take a toll.”
Murphy, having , would have played O’Sullivan in the Masters quarter-finals if the Rocket played and defeated Higgins.
But instead, Robertson stepped in at short notice and fought back from 5-1 down to claim a morale-boosting victory.
“I mean, what a replacement, the greatest of all time gets replaced by a two-time winner. It’s very, very difficult, but it’s not called the Masters for nothing,” Maguire said of Robertson as he reflected on his next opponent.
“It is just the best and it’s an event that has gone from strength to strength with celebrating its 50th year, this year. It’s an event with a magnificent history, and I’m delighted to, when I do hang my cue up, say I’ve been a part of it.”