Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled out of the International Championship, which starts on Sunday in China, for medical reasons.
O’Sullivan was due to face either Michael White or Lu Haotian on Monday evening at the world ranking event in Chengdu. The winner of that match will now receive a bye to the last 16.
WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: “We have been made aware that Ronnie has been unwell. The usual process for players pulling out of tournaments will now be applied.
“This is a huge disappointment for all of the fans in China who were hoping to see him play. However there is still an outstanding line-up of the world’s best players at the International Championship and it will be a top class event.”