Mark Selby and Barry Hawkins pull out of World Open before Crucible bid with Judd Trump handed new opponent in China
Updated 10/03/2026 at 19:49 GMT
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Mark Selby and Barry Hawkins have opted to withdraw from the World Open in Yushan next week as they gear up for two huge events on home soil: the 12-man Tour Championship in Manchester and the 50th World Championship in Sheffield. Selby is in line to be seeded third at the Tour event with new Welsh Open winner Hawkins also booking his spot at the penultimate tournament of the 2025/26 season.
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Mark Selby has pulled out of the snooker season's final trip to China for the World Open in Yushan on medical grounds.
The four-time world champion was set to face former Shoot Out winner Michael Holt in the last 64 next Tuesday, but has withdrawn with Holt receiving a bye to the last 32.
Selby's close friend Barry Hawkins - who defeated Jack Lisowski 9-5 in the final of the Welsh Open earlier this month - has also opted out on medical grounds with the World Open staged between March 16-22, live on TNT Sports and on-demand on discovery+.
World No. 100 Ian Burns was due to meet Hawkins, but he will join Holt in gaining a spot in the last 32 at the finals venue.
Selby and Hawkins are both set to appear at the penultimate event of the campaign, the 12-man Tour Championship in Manchester, March 30-5 April, before the World Championship in Sheffield.
Selby is likely to be seeded third at the Tour event with Hawkins facing the prospect of an extra match in the first round with Chris Wakelin a potential opponent.
John Higgins will defend both the World Open and Tour Championship before he chases a record fifth world title.
Both Selby and Hawkins are safely inside the world's top 10 before the Crucible, ensuring they avoid the minefield of qualifying for the sport's greatest event, which is live on TNT Sports from April 18 to May 4.
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World No. 1 Judd Trump will open his World Open campaign against Mark Lloyd on Monday after Chris Totten withdrew.
Trump is chasing a third title at the competition after victories in 2019 and 2024.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is set to return to action against Ross Muir at the World Open in a match that will bring back memories of the last time the duo met at the Welsh Open three years ago.
O'Sullivan twice saw his tip fly off and he lost a frame on the three-miss rule, before completing a 4-3 win that saw the contest delayed because of his cue requiring repairs after a century break in the first frame.
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Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the World Open, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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