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Mark Allen calls out inclusion of two World Grand Prix stars he ‘doesn’t agree with’ in debate about Ronnie O’Sullivan
World No.7 speaks out after lower-rated players replace legends in Hong Kong line-up
MARK ALLEN claims Hossein Vafaei and Ben Woollaston do not deserve to be called up as late replacements for snooker's World Grand Prix.
The pair were drafted into the prestigious event, which starts in Hong Kong on Tuesday, after Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Maguire withdrew for medical reasons.
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Seven-time world champion O'Sullivan has pulled out of other major tournaments in recent months as he struggled behind the scenes.
World No.7 Allen will face Kent cuer Jimmy Robertson, who is ranked 29 places below him, in the first round on Wednesday.
But the Northern Irish star, who has won two Triple Crown titles, disagrees with players who did not make it on their ranking being given a leg up.
Allen, 39, said on X: “Nothing against Ben or Hossein but I really don’t agree with guys being replaced by those who have technically failed to qualify.
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“Imagine number 17 doesn’t qualify for Sheffield. A top-16 player WDs (withdraws), does 17 get back in as next in line? Both Ronnie and Mags have earned their 10k.
“All those not in the top-32 on the one-year list have had their chance to qualify and haven’t done so.
“Semis of the world, someone falls ill…replace with the highest ranked (who has) already lost or a bye?”
Woollaston, who is married to snooker referee Tatiana, will tackle reigning masters champion Shaun Murphy on the opening day.
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The 37-year-old has picked up just one professional title, at the minor-ranking third Players Tour Championship event 14 years ago.
Fellow sub Vafaei faces China's World No.13 Si Jiahui on Wednesday.
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Ironically, the 30-year-old Iranian is perhaps best known as a nemesis of O'Sullivan.
The pair appear to have patched up past differences.
But Vafaei dumped the Rocket out of the World Open last March, winning 5-4 after the 49-year-old missed a final-frame black.
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