Anthony Hamilton pulls out of snooker opening event over virus testing concerns
ANTHONY HAMILTON has blasted snooker bosses for their inconsistency over tournament Covid-19 testing.
The Sheriff of Pottingham controversially withdrew from the World Snooker Championship over health and safety concerns following Crucible plans to have limited crowds.
Anthony Hamilton decided not to play the World Championships because there was supposed to be limited crowds – Credit: Getty Images – Getty
He has now pulled out of his group matches on Sunday in the season-opening Championship League in Milton Keynes.
The 49-year-old has shielded over the summer with asthma and is angry players are not being tested in the behind-closed-doors event – unlike at next week’s European Masters.
The world No.40 – who has been replaced by Daniel Womersley – said: “The reason for withdrawing from the Championship League was the lack of Covid-19 testing. Pure and simple.
“With my position with asthma and other things, the lack of testing made it too dangerous to play.
“It is the first tournament since lockdown where there hasn’t been testing for players – and yet there is for next week’s European Masters. So I’m playing in that.
“I know I am already in the bad books of Barry Hearn after what happened at the World Championship – at least this time I can be replaced in the draw.
The 49-year-old is shocked there is no testing in place in Milton Keynes this week for snooker stars – Credit: Getty – Contributor
“But there must be lots of people watching, players, fans, those involved in other sports – who don’t understand why there will be a week of no testing, then a week of testing, then none again.
“It looks mental. I am still massively shielding. I have even moved clubs to Dunstable to practice on my own in the mornings before they open for the public.
“It seems I am the only one that is vulnerable. We were actually told in an email for these events that certain groups, including those with asthma, should think carefully about playing or not.
“It is left to your final discretion. But if they are advising you not to play, but won’t provide the tests, how am I supposed to work?
“I wrote to Matchroom Sports and said if there was any change in the testing regime I would happily play, but I was assured there would be no Covid testing for players.
“I was very disappointed with some of the criticism I got for withdrawing from the World Championship – but this is the way the country seems to be, totally divided on this.”
A spokesperson for Matchroom Sports claims there are daily temperature checks, social distancing is in place and refs are wearing face masks during play.
A statement said: “As with all Matchroom events, our priority is the safety and well-being of the players, venue staff and officials.
“We continue to monitor the procedures and protocols for this event and will react to any changes that may be put in place in future by the Government, in the event their guidelines and regulations change.”
So that’s why the referees have to wear masks then…
Temperature checks won’t help detecting a case of asymptomatic infection, or a very recent one, so the risk is real. I can’t blame Anthony and others may think twice too.
It’s a very difficult situation for everyone. The severe shortage of tests in the UK is very likely the reason for this decision (and the underlying UK govt relaxed guidance). Snooker players are self-employed and they need to eat and pay their bills. WST, and in this case, Matchroom as well are trying to offer them the opportunity to do so. Everyone is trying their best surely. I just hope that nobody will get infected and ill.
With the no crowd and the additional costs associated to the sanitary measures I doubt that they make huge profits. But they almost certainly want to keep their sponsors and broadcasters happy.
WST and Matchroom are trying to make a profit, offering players the opportunity to earn some money is just a consequence of that.
With the no crowd and the additional costs associated to the sanitary measures I doubt that they make huge profits. But they almost certainly want to keep their sponsors and broadcasters happy.
I’ll be a little surprised if Ronnie decides to play, given the lack of testing…