Mark Williams is making a 6,000 mile sprint to play within the Hong Kong Masters on Friday after a final minute call-up to play within the occasion.
Zhao Xintong was attributable to face Neil Robertson within the eight-player event this week, however after testing unfavorable for Covid within the UK, the Chinese language star examined constructive on a PCR check after arriving in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Masters is the primary World Snooker Tour occasion in Asia since 2019 and Covid precautions are nonetheless fairly in depth, actually in comparison with the return to normality we've got skilled within the UK.
Zhao was pressured out of the occasion and Williams bought the decision, examined unfavorable at house and is flying to Hong Kong on Thursday to play Robertson on Friday.
The three-time world champion has been preserving followers up to date on his progress on Twitter, heading to the airport early on Thursday for a 13-hour flight.
With the time distinction from the UK to Hong Kong, it's a tight turnaround for the Welshman, who says he's set to land at 10am native time earlier than enjoying at 1.30pm.
Williams will nonetheless have to check unfavorable for Covid once more earlier than enjoying, then try to take down Robertson who has been in Hong Kong for days and must be significantly higher ready for his or her contest.
The late invite was not one to show down for Williams, although, with prize cash of £22,500 even for shedding quarter-finalists. If he can pull off some wins in opposition to the percentages then it's £35,000 for shedding semi-finalists, £45,000 for the runner-up and the champion pockets £100,000.
It should even be a outstanding expertise because the competitors is being held on the Hong Kong Coliseum, an area which may maintain round 12,000 for sure occasions and as much as 9,000 individuals are anticipated to attend Sunday’s ultimate.
This can obliterate the present report crowd for a snooker match, which was set at this event in 2017 when 3,000 individuals attended the final version of the Hong Kong Masters.
It's excellent news for Williams however very disappointing for Zhao who was excited to play in one of many greatest matches of his profession within the spectacular event.
Zhao’s apply base in Sheffield, Victoria’s Academy, posted an image of the UK champion on Tuesday with the 25-year-old wanting thrilled to be in Hong Kong and a caption studying: ‘Zhao Xintong has safely arrived in Hong Kong. He's wanting ahead to enjoying within the Hong Kong Masters this week.’
The event started on Thursday afternoon in Hong Kong (6.30am UK time) with Marco Fu enjoying Mark Selby within the first quarter-final.
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