CHINESE TORTURE
Dazed Alan can’t see as he suffers KO after lack of sleep and food
SCUNNERED Scot Alan McManus revealed how his China hell left him blind and unable to sleep as he crashed out the International Championship.
The Glaswegian was in a real spin as he went down to a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Judd Trump in Daqing.
Compatriot Graeme Dott was also in the wars as he fell to a 6-3 defeat to Hossein Vafaei while hampered with a painful broken finger.
But it was McManus who took the biggest beating in a contest he struggled to even witness. He said: “I felt dizzy, I couldn’t see. It’s very difficult playing when you can’t see straight.
“I struggle coming to China, it doesn’t appeal to me. I just can’t handle the travel, it’s tough. It’s frustrating but there’s not much you can do.”
Eight-time ranking event winner Trump dominated from start to finish with breaks of 43, 48, 48, 92 and 123.
McManus said: “I’ve not slept much at all. I don’t know what the formula is for getting sleep at these events. I’ve also not eaten in three or four days.
“Ronnie O’Sullivan is sensible. He can pick and choose when and where he plays but we’re going from pillar to post.”
Meanwhile, Dott trailed 4-0 but somehow pocketed breaks of 99 and 129 to stay in the match.
But world No.40 Vafaei deservedly progressed thanks to breaks of 52, 60, 88 and 136. Dott said: “I broke my finger two weeks ago so I couldn’t really play.
“I was playing with a splint on at 4-0 down and I nearly conceded but then I went for everything. It’s a nightmare. I hurt it playing with my son but hopefully the splint will be coming off in a few weeks.”