Judd Trump and Jack Lisowski have been forced to pull out of the Masters, starting on Sunday, due to positive Covid-19 test results.
Trump, the world number one, and the in-form Lisowski were both due to play on Sunday and had arrived in Milton Keynes on Friday to take their tests and isolate in the Marshall Arena hotel as they await the result.
They have both now returned positive tests and cannot play in the prestigious event.
Joe Perry comes in to replace Trump and will take on David Gilbert on Sunday afternoon, while Gary Wilson comes in for Lisowski and plays Kyren Wilson in the evening session.
World Snooker Tour stated: ‘WST is following extensive Covid-19 guidelines in a “bubble” environment for this event. All players are tested two days in advance of their first match, and after the test they remain in isolation until the result is received.
‘All other players and officials tested at the event so far have had negative results.
‘Trump and Lisowski will now undergo a further period of self isolation and will receive the support of WST and WPBSA.
‘Since WST events restarted in June 2020, strict Covid-19 regulations have been and continue to be followed, under UK Government guidance.’
It is a huge blow to the tournament, with Trump one of the biggest stars in the sport and unquestionably the best player on the planet at the moment.
Lisowski is one of snooker’s rising stars and one of the most exciting players to watch when on song, which he is at the moment.
Trump and Lisowski contested the last match of 2020 as the Juddernaut beat Jackpot in the final of the World Grand Prix in a thrilling encounter.
The world number one won 10-7 in a match which saw two centuries and 13 further half-century breaks as the two attacking talents showed off their skills.
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