World number three Mark Allen has withdrawn from the upcoming Wuhan Open due to a family illness, but hopes to be back playing at his home event, the Northern Ireland Open, later this month.
The Pistol confirmed on Thursday that he will not be making the trip to Wuhan for the ranking event which starts on Sunday.
The 38-year-old had already won a qualifying match to make it to the venue stages of the event, beating Bai Yulu 5-1 in July.
His opponent in the second round of the tournament, Jamie Clarke, gets a bye into the last 32 after Allen’s withdrawal.
The Northern Irishman posted the news on X, apologising to all involved in the event, but saying that he has little choice given the circumstances.
‘I’d like to pass on my apologies to World Snooker, the Chinese promoter, my sponsors and the Chinese fans but I have had to withdraw from the upcoming Wuhan open due to a family illness,’ Allen wrote.
‘I hope to be back playing come Belfast but at this time I have to prioritise my family.’
Clarke won his qualifier 5-4 against Alfie Burden and will now face either Wu Yize or Ka Wei Cheung in Wuhan.
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