Mark Williams withdraws from International Championship in Nanjing due to 'respiratory infection' - 'Man down'
By Alex Livie
Updated 27/10/2025 at 21:07 GMT
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The International Championship has lost one of its biggest stars, with Mark Williams confirming his absence from the event in Nanjing, China due to a respiratory illness. Ali Carter, who pulled out of the Northern Ireland Open, is also absent. Watch and stream top snooker action, including the International Championship, live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+
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Mark Williams has withdrawn from the International Championship due to illness.
After Jack Lisowski’s victory in the Northern Ireland Open final, the snooker tour heads to Nanjing in China for the International Championship.
The event gets underway on Sunday, November 2 - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - but Williams will not be in the field.
Taking to social media, Williams wrote: "Man down. No International Championship for me. Respiratory infection.
"Another week then doing nothing.
"Champion of Champions next stop, fingers crossed."
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Williams referenced the Champion of Champions as his scheduled next outing.
The Mattioli Arena in Leicester welcomes the players for the Champion of Champions from November 10-16.
With Williams withdrawing from the International Championship, Anthony McGill will be handed a bye into round three.
Ali Carter has also withdrawn from the International Championship. The 46-year-old pulled out of last week’s Northern Ireland Open for personal reasons and his absence has been confirmed for the event in China. Aaron Hill has been handed a bye into the last 32.
While two big names have withdrawn from the International Championship, a pair of snooker’s big draw cards are set to play.
Judd Trump, who was a beaten finalist in the Northern Ireland Open, is slated to face Dylan Emery in round one on Sunday.
Trump’s conqueror, Lisowski, will be in action against Louis Heathcote on Monday.
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'It is so surreal' - Lisowski reacts to title win
Video credit: TNT Sports
Lisowski told TNT Sports that he hoped his maiden title would be the catalyst to kick-start his career.
"I would like to think this gives me a bit of a boost," Lisowski said. "Hopefully, this is the start of my career. I have been a pro for 14 or 15 years, I’ve served my apprenticeship, and now I am here I guess."
Lisowski dedicated victory in Belfast to his father, who passed away earlier in the year, and is looking to turn his potential into titles in his honour.
"I want to win all the time and I always believe," Lisowski said. "But since my dad passed away I feel like it is more serious now.
"Before it was a bit of a game, a bit of fun. Now I feel like I have to win for him.
"I've been digging really deep in practice, I've been practising really hard to try and get my game in good shape, and it was just good enough.
"When my dad died I said to my friend that he would never see me win a title. But my friend said I could still do it for my mum. This is for him and for my mum."
Lisowski’s win at the Waterfront Hall also confirmed his participation at the Champion of Champions. The 16-player field in Leicester was completed by Lisowski.
Provided he shakes off his illness, Williams will arrive in Leicester as the defending champion.
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Watch and stream top snooker action, including the International Championship, live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+
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