Mark Allen makes Ronnie O'Sullivan claim as he speaks out about World Grand Prix decision
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Maguire have both pulled out of the World Grand Prix due to health issues, and Mark Allen isn't happy with the decision tournament organisers have made in response
Snooker star Mark Allen has called for a shake-up in tournament entry rules after two players outside the top 32 were unexpectedly called up to play at the World Grand Prix.
The event organisers had to scramble for replacements when Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Maguire pulled out due to health reasons, bringing in Hossein Vafaei and Ben Woollaston despite them not meeting the usual ranking criteria.
Voicing his concerns on social media, Allen said it's unfair that these two players now have a shot at prize money and ranking points while O'Sullivan and Maguire walk away with nothing. "Nothing against Ben or Hossein," he wrote on X. "But I really don't agree with guys being replaced by those who have technically failed to qualify.
"Imagine number 17 doesn't qualify for Sheffield [and] a top 16 player [withdraws], does 17 get back in as next in line??? Both Ronnie and Mags have earned their 10k."
Engaging with fans online, Allen, 39, proposed that replacement players could vie for prize money but not ranking points and even suggested the possibility of giving a walkover to the original opponent of a withdrawn player. "All those not in the top 32 on the one-year list have had their chance to qualify and haven't done so," he argued, highlighting the need for fairness in qualification.
The World Grand Prix in Hong Kong kicked off on Tuesday, with Jack Lisowski clinching a win over Zhang Anda and Stuart Bingham triumphing against three-time world champ Mark Williams. Allen is gearing up to start his stint against Jimmy Robertson come Wednesday.
However, organisers and fans were dealt a major blow when snooker legend O'Sullivan withdrew. Since his last match in early January, 'The Rocket' has skipped several tournaments and seems set for a hiatus until the World Snooker Championship in April.
"I am very disappointed not to be competing," O'Sullivan admitted. "I had been eager to make my comeback in Hong Kong and have put in my utmost effort but unfortunately must consider my health. I wish to sincerely thank the organisers and all the Hong Kong fans for their support."
This news follows O'Sullivan's previous call to World Snooker for a welfare officer for players. "I think World Snooker should have somebody," he proposed.
"In football, they have masseuses, people sorting out injuries. I think snooker should have someone at the tournament employed as like if someone is struggling, they've come off the table, 'do you need 10 minutes with someone?'
"I'm not saying everyone will go in there but I just think a lot of players suffer in silence basically. I can tell, just look at them and they're struggling. They should have someone to go and talk to. I think that's so important. You have coaches sorting your correction out but really you need someone just to unload a bit. I think it would really help the players."