Ronnie O’Sullivan will not be at the Masters this weekend (Picture: VCG via Getty Images)
Former world champion Dennis Taylor says ‘you’ve got to worry for Ronnie O’Sullivan’ after his shock withdrawal from the Masters just two days before the event begins.
The Rocket was set to defend the title he won last year at Alexandra Palace, beginning with an eye-catching opening round game with John Higgins on Sunday afternoon.
However, the eight-time champion pulled out on Friday, with Neil Robertson confirmed as his replacement in the draw.
World Snooker Tour announced that the withdrawal was on ‘medical grounds’ and there are concerns over O’Sullivan’s mental state after he pulled out of the Championship League before completing his group on Thursday.
The 49-year-old was visibly frustrated with his game in Leicester this week and broke his cue into pieces after defeat to Robert Milkins.
Taylor is worried for O’Sullivan and hopes that he will link-up with Steve Peters again, with the renowned psychiatrist having worked wonders with the Rocket in the past.
‘What a shame because that was some match to kick the whole thing off,’ Taylor told Metro of O’Sullivan’s withdrawal. ‘You’ve got to worry for him on the mental side of things, the pressure.
O’Sullivan won his eighth Masters title last year (Picture:Getty Images)
‘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. In Leicester he obviously wasn’t feeling the best.
‘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. ‘
O’Sullivan won five titles last season, including the UK Championship and Masters, but has struggled for form this campaign and has not been to a final of any event since the Tour Championship in April.
Dennis Taylor hopes Dr. Steve Peters can help O’Sullivan out (Picture: Getty Images)
Taylor is now unsure whether O’Sullivan will be able to make it to eight World Championship titles, taking him clear of Stephen Hendry who he currently stands alongside with seven.
‘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,’ said the 1985 world champ.
‘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 and O’Sullivan go back over three decades, playing each other at both the Masters and World Championship in 1994, with one win each in those Triple Crown meetings.
‘I hadn’t realised my last World Championship appearance at the Crucible was against Ronnie,’ said Taylor of a 10-6 loss in Sheffield 31 years ago.
‘I played Ronnie in his very first Masters when he was UK champion. Nobody gave me much of a chance, but the Masters at the Wembley Conference Centre was different to every other tournament, it was a vast playing area and took a bit of getting used to. I jumped on Ronnie early on and ended up beating him 5-1. That was quite a result and shocked the London crowd a bit.
‘I’ve commentated on him since he turned professional and he’s always been a delight to not only play against but commentate on.
‘I hope he can get himself sorted out and get himself ready for the Worlds because you wouldn’t want him not being in Sheffield.’