• Neil Robertson replaces 2024 winner at Alexandra Palace
• O’Sullivan had withdrawn from Championship League

Reigning champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters snooker event on medical grounds.

The world No 3, who has won the competition eight times, was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon. Neil Robertson has replaced O’Sullivan in the draw for the tournament, which runs until 19 January at Alexandra Palace in London.