Mark Allen Withdraws From China Open and Wuhan Open
Mark Allen has withdrawn from two consecutive tournaments in China — the China Open and the Wuhan Open — citing personal reasons. The Northern Irishman has not provided any further details.
This is not the first withdrawal of Allen’s season. He also missed the Shanghai Masters for the second year running — despite it being one of the most prestigious invitational events on the calendar. Now he adds two more ranking events to that list.
What Changes in the Draws:
- China Open, Taiyuan. Allen was scheduled to face the winner of Hossein Vafaei vs Liu Linhao on Tuesday, 11 August. Instead, Vafaei or Liu will now receive a bye directly into the last 16 without playing.
- Wuhan Open. Allen was due to play Michael Holt on 23 August. Holt receives a bye into the last 32.
Allen’s Statement:
“I am gutted to miss these two events in China and my apologies to the fans and promoters in Taiyuan and Wuhan. I love playing in China and appreciate the support we always get there, but there are personal reasons why I can’t make it this time. I hope to be back playing in China later this season.”
Context: A Season of Withdrawals
Mark Allen is the defending English Open champion and currently ranked 16th in the world. Despite a solid ranking position, his season has been marked by a string of absences: Shanghai Masters (missed for the second consecutive year), and now both the China Open and Wuhan Open.
Missing two ranking events back-to-back is more than just a matter of form. Every tournament not played means zero ranking points on that stretch of the calendar. With the China Open offering a £1,200,000 prize fund and the Wuhan Open worth £650,000, Allen is sacrificing not just match time — but significant ranking opportunities at a crucial point in the season.
We wish Mark well and hope to see him back on tour soon.
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