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

Ronnie O’Sullivan pulls out of World Grand Prix for medical reasons - It is the seventh ranking tournament from which O’Sullivan has pulled out of this season.

The draw for the World Grand Prix has been confirmed, with defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan set for an eye-catching opener against Si Jiahui. The tournament has been moved outside the UK for the first time, held at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park from 4-9 March.

Ronnie O’Sullivan supporters in Hong Kong will be left dejected after the snooker legend pulled out of the World Grand Prix, two weeks after confirming that he would be making his long-awaited comeback at the tournament.

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

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, Hossein Vafaei who is 33rd in the Johnstone’s Paint One-Year Rankings.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from next week's World Grand Prix in Hong Kong due to health reasons. The seven-time world champion was due to compete in the tournament which begins on Tuesday at Kai Tak Arena.