Defending champion O'Sullivan withdraws from Masters

Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters on medical grounds.

O'Sullivan, 49, was aiming to win a record-extending ninth title, and had been set to face John Higgins in a blockbuster opening to the tournament at Alexandra Palace on Sunday.

The Englishman's place in the invitational event for the 16 highest-ranked players in the world will be taken by Neil Robertson.

Like Higgins, the Australian is also a two-time winner of the Masters and most recently triumphed in 2022.