Ronnie O’Sullivan pulls out of The 2026 Masters
Ronnie O’Sullivan (Photo credit: Danny Lawson/PA/Alamy)
Eight-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from The 2026 Masters for medical reasons.
O’Sullivan, the most successful player in Masters history, has pulled out of the tournament for the second successive year on medical grounds.
O’Sullivan, who celebrated his 50th birthday last month, was due to face Neil Robertson in the opening round at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday January 14.
He will now be replaced in the draw by Chris Wakelin – who was 17th seed at the cut-off point.
It is the fourth time O’Sullivan has withdrawn from The Masters since 2013 and marks his third tournament withdrawal of the season.
O’Sullivan’s only competitive appearance on UK soil this season came at last month’s UK Championship – where he was beaten 6-4 by Zhou Yuelong in the opening round.
The Rocket had been practicing in Ireland last week as he seemingly stepped up his preparations for next week’s for The Masters – which gets under way on Sunday – but he has opted out of the sport’s most prestigious invitational once again.
Wakelin will make his second successive appearance at The Masters, having secured his second ranking title at the Scottish Open last month.