Five ‘ thrown out’ of Euro Masters amid Covid scare
FIVE players have been forced out of this week’s European Masters after Gary Wilson and Daniel Wells failed Covid tests.
World champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has been given a bye into the second round at Milton Keynes after Wells’ withdrawal.
World No56 Wells and former World Championship semifinalist Wilson became the first players to fail Covid tests since they were brought in after lockdown.
But Michael White, world No60 Elliot Slessor and David Lilley have also been withdrawn from the tournament.
Slessor and world No90 Lilley had been in contact with Wilson at the Milton Keynes venue.
And White, who was scheduled to take on three- time world champion Mark Selby yesterday afternoon, had been in contact with fellow Welshman Wells.
Slessor said: “Well, that’s it. Thrown out of the tournament without even testing positive.
“Was in contact with someone who was. Brilliant news, nice four- hour journey home now all at my own expense.”
Lilley said: “I am very sad to say that I have been removed from the tournament due to being in close proximity to another player who has tested positive for Covid.
“I am not very happy about it but there is nothing I can do.”
Wilson was due to play Duane Jones, Lilley had been lined up to face David Gilbert and Slessor was drawn against James Cahill.
All of their opponents have been given byes into the second round.
The players and their families must now self- isolate for a period of 14 days.
It was scheduled to be O’Sullivan’s first match since he claimed a sixth world title by beating Kyren Wilson at the Crucible last month. World No2 O’Sullivan will now face Irish rookie Aaron Hill or Devon’s Andy Hicks.