Masters Snooker 2025: Neil Robertson warns late entry makes him ‘dangerous’ after Ronnie O’Sullivan withdraws

Former world champion Neil Robertson warned that a late entry into this year’s Masters makes him “very dangerous” as he arrives with “nothing to lose”.

But Robertson is backing himself to make a splash at the prestigious tournament, where he will take a seat at the table at 1pm UK time on the opening afternoon on Sunday.

“I always believe I can win. The mentality is different, maybe the fact that I haven’t been thinking about it for the last few weeks helps.

“I have nothing to lose because I didn’t expect to be in this. That can always make someone very dangerous.”

“I’m capable of going all the way, but I’m very happy to be there because you never want to miss the Masters.”

Robertson won his only title of the season so far in September at the English Open.

But he has his eyes on a particularly special prize at the Masters, the second Triple Crown event of the season after the UK Championship and before the World Championship that will end the season in April.

“It’s got the best atmosphere of any tournament and it’s not even close, all the players say that,” Robertson said.

“It’s one table and over 2,000 people, and it’s a tenacious crowd.”

Robertson hasn’t faced Higgins in three years, but their last encounter was a memorable one.

Their final battle for the 2022 Tour Championship was a proud moment for the Australian, who pulled off an extraordinary comeback from 9-4 down to win 10-9.

The Masters celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and features players like world No. 1 Judd Trump and world champion Kyren Wilson in a star-studded field.