Snooker chaos latest as Ronnie O'Sullivan and 5 other world stars OUT of Northern Ireland Open amid acrimony

Global superstar Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of the Northern Ireland Open amid an ongoing row with snooker authorities.

The world No.1 lashed out at the governing body in a scathing attack earlier this week.

And O’Sullivan is the latest casualty for the event, which kicks off at the Waterfront Hall tomorrow, after withdrawing due to medical reasons. The event was rocked when the ‘Macau Five’ snubbed Belfast for an exhibition in China which has since been postponed.

Now O’Sullivan joins Mark Selby, John Higgins, Luca Brecel, Ding Junhui and Ali Carter on the sidelines. His absence comes on the back of Mark Allen calling for a boycott to force change on the Tour.

Scot Stephen Maguire made his 500th career century in a 4-3 qualifying win against Fergal O’Brien.