Mark Allen has pulled out of this month’s China Open and Wuhan Open for personal reasons.
In the China Open in Taiyuan, Allen was due to face Hossein Vafaei or Liu Linhao on Tuesday August 11th. Instead, Vafaei or Liu will receive a bye to the last 16.
In the Wuhan Open, Allen was due to meet Michael Holt on August 23rd. Holt will receive a bye to the last 32.
Allen said: “I am gutted to miss these two events in China and my apologies to the fans and promoters in Taiyuan and Wuhan. I love playing in China and appreciate the support we always get there, but there are personal reasons why I can’t make it this time. I hope to be back playing in China later this season.”
Green baize kings touched down in the city of Taiyuan on Friday for the official opening ceremony of the 2026 China Open.
This huge £1.2million ranking event returns to the calendar for the first time since 2019, in a new host city which is the capital of the Shanxi Province.
Defending champion Neil Robertson, World Champion Wu Yize, world number one Judd Trump, all-time great Ronnie O’Sullivan, Shaun Murphy, Zhao Xintong, Mark Williams, Mark Selby, Kyren Wilson and Ding Junhui were among the stars to receive a rapturous welcome from fans.
After walking the red carpet, players and officials were treated to a spectacular display of local traditional culture, with music and dance performances, followed by speeches from dignitaries.
WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: “Today marks a significant moment for our sport as we celebrate the return of one of snooker’s most prestigious and historic tournaments. After a six-year absence, the China Open once again takes its rightful place on the World Snooker Tour calendar, reaffirming its status as the flagship snooker event in China and one of the highlights of our international season.
“The history of this tournament is woven into the modern story of snooker itself. Few sporting moments have had such lasting significance as Ding Junhui’s unforgettable victory in the 2005 China Open. His triumph inspired millions, transformed the landscape of our sport, and ignited a passion for snooker that continues to grow across this great nation. That remarkable achievement opened the door for a generation of talented Chinese players and helped establish China as one of the world’s true homes of snooker.
“As we begin this exciting new chapter, it is especially fitting that the China Open has found a new home here in Taiyuan. This vibrant city has embraced our sport with tremendous enthusiasm and vision. With outstanding facilities, exceptional organisation and a thriving snooker culture, Taiyuan provides a magnificent stage worthy of an event of this stature. We are proud to bring the world’s greatest players to Shanxi Province for the very first time, and I am confident that this city will create many unforgettable memories in the years ahead.”
