Former world No 5 Marco Fu among those opting outNone of current top 16 are among the withdrawalsSnooker’s governing body has confirmed that “several” players have withdrawn from this year’s world championship, which begins later this month in Sheffield. None of the players concerned are understood to be among the current world top 16, meaning they would have been scheduled to take part in the qualifying rounds which start on 21 July.
Earlier this week, reports in
China suggested up to 10 players had declined the opportunity to take part in the tournament, citing concerns regarding
Coronavirus and quarantine regulations. Former finalist Ding Junhui, the world No 11 who missed last month’s Coral Tour Championship, has indicated he will take part, while Yan Bingtao, the other Chinese player in the top 16, is based in Sheffield and unaffected.