Snooker great Ronnie O'Sullivan has vowed to return to the sport after his shock decision not to defend his Masters crown.

The Rocket announced that he wouldn't compete at Alexandra Palace just 48 hours before a showdown against old sparring partner, and fellow Class of 92 member, John Higgins - with organisers saying that the decision had been taken due to 'health issues'. That saw Neil Robertson earn a last minute call-up, with the Aussie taking full advantage as he staged a stunning comeback from 5-1 down to defeat Higgins in a four hour epic - before having a pop at Scots hero Stephen Hendry.

O'Sullivan's preparations hadn't been going well, and he was cutting a frustrated figure at the Championship League in build-up - lashing out at the table with his cue, which prompted a message from friend and rock and roll legend Ronnie Wood. The Rolling Stones icon appeared on Eurosport and explained: "I texted Ronnie and said, ‘sorry about your cue, mate’. He said, ‘don’t worry, I’ll be back, I’m just a bit tired at the moment’."

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Long-term rival John Higgins issued a heartfelt message praising O'Sullivan for putting his wellbeing first prior to his Masters exit, telling the BBC: "I'm gutted that I wasn't playing Ronnie. We played here 30 years ago in a final so it would have been good to walk out there again with him. But listen, his health is more important. If he's going through some tough times just now. I just hope he gets better."

Jimmy White has since delivered positive news on O'Sullivan's wellbeing as the Mirror has reported, telling EuroSport: “I spoke to him yesterday. He’s fine. He’s got a few things to sort out. He always wants to give 100 per cent. Hopefully he’ll be coming in the studio and be explaining a bit more in detail. But he’s fine. He just likes to perform at his best and he just thinks a few things weren’t right. We’ll have to wait and see and speak to him.”