Mark Allen believes Stephen Maguire and Ronnie O’Sullivan have earned their first-round prize money (Image: Getty)
wants tournament entry rules changed after two players outside the top 32 on the one-year list were called up to compete at the World Grand Prix. Organisers were forced into last-minute changes after and Stephen Maguire pulled out due to medical reasons.
Hossein Vafaei and Ben Woollaston stepped in to replace them, despite places at the World Grand Prix being reserved for those who meet the ranking requirement. And Allen feels there is something not quite right about those two players having the opportunity to fight for prize money and ranking points while Maguire and O’Sullivan are left empty-handed.
“Nothing against Ben or Hossein,” he wrote on . “But I really don’t agree with guys being replaced by those who have technically failed to qualify. Imagine number 17 doesn’t qualify for Sheffield [and] a top 16 player [withdraws], does 17 get back in as next in line??? Both Ronnie and Mags have earned their 10k.”
As Allen interacted with fans in the replies to his post, one idea floated by the 39-year-old involved the ‘next in line’ players being free to compete for the prize money on offer, but not the ranking points.
He is also not against the idea of a withdrawn player’s slated opponent getting a walkover into the second round. “All those not in the top 32 on the one-year list have had their chance to qualify and haven’t done so,” he said.
Ronnie O’Sullivan pulled out of the World Grand Prix on medical grounds (Image: Getty)
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World Grand Prix action in Hong Kong got underway earlier today (Tuesday), with Jack Lisowski defeating Zhang Anda, and Stuart Bingham toppling three-time world champion Mark Williams. Allen’s campaign will kick off against Jimmy Robertson on Wednesday.
O’Sullivan’s withdrawal was a painful blow for tournament organisers, as well as spectators hoping to catch a glimpse of the Rocket in action.
The seven-time world champion has pulled out of a succession of tournaments since his last competitive outing in early January, and he is not expected to play again until the World Snooker Championship in April.
“I am very disappointed not to be competing,” he said. “I had been eager to make my comeback in Hong Kong and have put in my utmost effort but unfortunately must consider my health. I wish to sincerely thank the organisers and all the Hong Kong fans for their support.”