The snooker World Grand Prix gets underway later this week but bosses have been hit with a double blow after two glittering names were forced to pull out of the competition

Mark Allen 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 Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Maguire pulled out due to medical reasons.

(250304) -- HONG KONG, March 4, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Jack Lisowski competes during the match between Zhang Anda of China and Jack Lisowski of England at the Snooker World Grand Prix 2025 in Hong Kong, south China, on March 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan withdraws from the next week's World Grand Prix in Hong Kong for medical reasons.

Stephen Maguire has joined the list of snooker stars withdrawing from the World Grand Prix, which commenced in Hong Kong on Tuesday morning. With Ronnie O'Sullivan already out due to health issues, his slot was filled by Hossein Vafaei, set to face Si Jiahui on Wednesday.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from next week’s World Grand Prix in Hong Kong for medical reasons, the World Snooker Tour has announced. It is the seventh ranking tournament from which O’Sullivan has pulled out this season,

Ronnie O'Sullivan's latest tournament withdrawal has cost him the chance to earn £300,000 in prize money. The snooker icon has pulled out of the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, continuing his pattern of absences in 2025.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled out of next week’s World Grand Prix in Hong Kong for medical reasons. O’Sullivan was due to face Si Jiahui in the opening round on Wednesday. Instead he will be replaced by the next player in line,