The snooker world is still reeling from the late decision of Ronnie O’Sullivan and his withdrawal from the 2025 Masters.
O’Sullivan has long had an affinity with the Masters and has won the prestigious event on more occasions than any other player in the history of the sport.
An eight time champion of the tournament, O’Sullivan’s decision to withdraw is the latest in a string of withdrawals but is without the doubt the biggest and most worrying.
Although he is no stranger to pulling out of tournaments, the majority of tournaments that he pulls out of are usually just standard ranking events and nowhere near the level of the Masters.
The Rocket has made no secret of the fact that he is purely motivated to continue his career in the chase of money, but the fact that he has decided to not appear in one of the most lucrative events in the sport is a huge concern and there are several players from both the past and present that have highlighted their worries.
Dennis Taylor Leads The Messages of Concerns Over O’Sullivan’s Future
When informed over O’Sullivan’s withdrawal from the Masters, former World Champion Dennis Taylor was quick to offer his concerns over the plight of the seven time World Champion.
In quotes attributed to UK publication, the Metro, Taylor said the following;
‘What a shame because that was some match to kick the whole thing off. ‘You’ve got to worry for him on the mental side of things, the pressure.’
‘I haven’t seen Steve Peters around for a few tournaments. It’s worth mentioning that when Steve Peters was around he seemed to be in a much better frame of mind.’
‘There’s so much pressure on him and you don’t know what’s going on off the table as well.’
‘To pull out as the defending champion you’ve got to be feeling pretty rough with yourself. We all get frustrated at times. The game will get you like that. It’s a shame.’
‘I hope he gets himself sorted out because we all thought it was a matter of time before he beats Stephen Hendry’s seven world titles but I’m having my doubts now.’
‘He’s took every other record off Stephen Hendry, but this one might be a step too far unless he gets himself sorted out. But I’m sure he will do, I’m sure he will call Steve Peters again and work on the mental side of things.’
Taylor’s words echo how many in the game feel about O’Sullivan and there have to be huge concerns regarding his long term future in the sport.
Throughout Snooker’s long and illustrious history there have always been mavericks in the sport. Jimmy White and Alex Higgins are two of the most talented players to have ever picked up a cue but O’Sullivan’s achievements and style has even. surpassed them.
Able to hit shots that most can only dream off, even at this latter stage of his career he is still the drop draw in the sport. Although there are others who could be capable of filling O’Sullivan’s shoes, actually doing so is certainly a daunting task. With so much uncertainty as to when or where he will play next, the World Snooker hierarchy will be severely hoping that he makes his return sooner rather than later.
Show Continues Without O’Sullivan
Although the lead up to the 2025 Masters has been overshadowed by O’Sullivans late withdrawal the 2025 Masters will carry on without him and there is plenty to look forward to.
Judd Trump will be looking to create his own slice of history by winning all three legs of Snooker’s famed Triple Crown in the same season. Trump already has secured the UK Championship and he will begin his quest for a second Masters title when he squares off against the man he beat in the UK Championship final, Barry Hawkins.
Although Trump is the clear bookies favourite, there are plenty of other players who will be hoping to land one of the games premier prizes.
As the draw stands Kyren Wilson and Judd Trump are on course to collide in the semifinals and throughout 2024 the two have started to develop an epic rivalry that has the ability to transcend the sport for years.
The two are clear of the rest of the field when it comes to the world rankings and it would only be fitting if the two were to square off against each other in one of snooker’s biggest tournaments.
Mark Allen And Mark Selby Will Have Eyes on Further Masters Glory
Both Mark Allen and Mark Selby have enjoyed terrific careers and both know what it’s like to be successful in this tournament. Often both criminally overlooked when compared to O’Sullivan and Trump, both men find themselves in the different half of the draw to Trump and Wilson and with O’Sullivan now out of the picture, both will be confident of reaching the final.
Unlike Selby, Allen is yet to win the World Championship but he will have serious hopes of rewriting that script this year.
The winner of the Riyadh Snooker Championship, Allen brings in good form to the Masters but he will have to be at his very best to overcome the significant challenge of Si Jiahui in the opening round.
Si enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2024 and has already won seven of the eight matches he has played in 2025. Certainly capable of giving Allen a shock, the Northern Irishman will have to be at his very best to advance.
Mark Selby has enjoyed a fabulous career, but even when he was at the very height of the sport, Selby rarely got the recognition that his talents and achievements deserved. Now that the spotlight is on others, Selby can go through the Masters flying under the radar and he will be more than hopeful of pulling off yet another special victory.
Selby will square off against the pugnacious Ali Carter in the first round and will certainly have to be at his best to proceed.
Set to be on a collision course with Allen if victorious, that potential quarter final could be a cracker to kick off the start of the new year.
Andrew Blakely
At 35, Andrew Blakely stands as a seasoned expert in both snooker and its betting intricacies. A dedicated player and analyst, he offers keen insights derived from years in the field. Through his writings, Andrew aspires to guide enthusiasts navigating the captivating world of snooker betting.
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