Ronnie O’Sullivan’s withdrawal from the Masters got here as a whole shock to Jimmy White.
Ronnie O’Sullivan was a shock no-show on the Masters (Picture: Getty)
Jimmy White was satisfied Ronnie O’Sullivan was to compete within the Masters earlier than the snooker icon withdrew from the match. The 50-year-old, who has received a report eight Masters titles, was scheduled to face former world champion Neil Robertson within the first spherical at Alexandra Palace.
Nevertheless, the Rocket withdrew simply days earlier than the occasion was set to begin, with medical causes ruling him out of participation. World No. 14 Chris Wakelin changed O’Sullivan within the draw however ended up shedding 6-2 to the Australian star. A quick assertion from WST on his withdrawal learn: “Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Johnstone’s Paint Masters for medical causes. O’Sullivan was as a consequence of face Neil Robertson within the opening spherical on Wednesday, January 14th at 7pm. He has been changed within the draw by Chris Wakelin, who was seventeenth seed on the cut-off level.”
Discussing O’Sullivan’s preparation for the Masters, White revealed that he’d heard the seven-time world champion had been practising for the occasion and information of his backing out left him completely stunned. Talking on the TNT Sports activities studio at Alexandra Palace, the 62-year-old stated: “I do know he has been practising, and I heard he was in Eire taking part in with Aaron Hill and Jordan Brown, so his preparation was good for this occasion.
“All of us thought he was going to play within the occasion.” The World Snooker Championship takes place in April, with the German Masters, World Grand Prix, Gamers Championship, Welsh Open, World Open and Tour Championship all previous the Crucible occasion. White has admitted his fears that O’Sullivan’s lack of motion will hurt his probabilities of claiming a report eighth title.
“The extra this goes on with out match follow, going into attempting to beat Stephen Hendry’s report of successful eight world titles, which is arising in three months’ time, it’s not a variety of match follow for sharpness,” he added. “It might simply be good to see him play, he’s great to observe.”
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White wasn’t alone in his shock at O’Sullivan’s withdrawal, with world No. 10 Mark Allen revealing after his first spherical victory over Mark Williams that he had practised with him within the lead-up to the Masters. Talking to TNT Sports activities, the Northern Irishman stated: “I used to be very stunned.
“I used to be practising with him simply earlier than the UK [Championship] and what he was saying, he was leaning in the direction of taking part in right here. I hope that no matter has gone on he’s okay as a result of the sport is best with him in it.”
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