Mark Selby among three snooker stars to pull out of World Open on medical grounds

Mark Selby has pulled out of the World Open for medical reasons, a week before his scheduled opening round clash.

The four-time snooker world champion is one of three stars to withdraw, as Barry Hawkins and Chris Totten won’t play either.

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Their withdrawals were announced by the World Snooker Tour on Tuesday in an article on their website.

“Mark Selby, Barry Hawkins and Chris Totten have pulled out of next week’s World Open in China, all for medical reasons,” they wrote.

“Selby was due to face Michael Holt in the last 64 on Tuesday, March 17th, instead Holt receives a bye to the last 32.

“Hawkins was due to meet Ian Burns on Tuesday, so Burns also receives a bye to the last 32.

“Totten was due to play Judd Trump in a first-round held over match, so Totten is replaced by the highest available player from the Q School top up list, Mark Lloyd.”

Selby, who has never won the World Open, is currently ranked No.7 in the world and would have fancied a shot at glory.

His best finish at the event was the 2014 final, where he was beaten 10-6 by fellow Englishman Shaun Murphy.

‘The Jester from Leicester’ will have been hoping to bounce back from a poor showing at the Welsh Open last time out.

He was beaten in the first round of the tournament by Jiang Jun, letting slip a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3.

That was the third time since 2021 that Selby had not made it through his first game at the Welsh Open.

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When is the World Open?

The World Open will get going on Monday, March 16. It is then scheduled to run through until Sunday, March 22.

The event is being held in Yushan, China, with Ronnie O’Sullivan and World No.1 Judd Trump among the stars featuring.

John Higgins will be defending his title after beating Joe O’Connor 10-6 in the final a year ago.

There is a prize of £175,000 on the line for the 2026 winner.

The runner-up will be taking home £75,000, while losing semi-finalists will leave with £33,000 each.

Fans are going to be able to watch the action live on TNT Sports.

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