Ronnie O'Sullivan won't defend his Masters title

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Masters, which will be held from 12 to 19 January.

The Rocket won a record eighth title in the competition last January when he beat Ali Carter 10-7. However, he will not be taking part in this year's Alexandra Palace in London due to "medical grounds", the World Snooker Tour said in a statement.

O'Sullivan was due to begin his title defence against one of his greatest rivals over the years, John Higgins, but his place will now be taken by Neil Robertson.

The seven-time world champion's withdrawal from the Masters comes after reports emerged that Ronnie had thrown his cue in the bin after refusing to continue his participation in the Championship League. O'Sullivan, 49, played four matches in the tournament on Wednesday, losing three of them. The "Genius from Chigwell" did not look happy with the tip of his cue and withdrew after defeat to Robert Milkins, ahead of a match with Carter on Thursday afternoon. | BGNES