WST Classic: Who needs what as Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump and Neil Robertson face missing Tour Championship snooker

Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump and Neil Robertson are in grave danger of missing the elite eight-man Tour Championship later this month – the final ranking event before the season-ending World Championship in Sheffield. Mark Allen, Shaun Murphy, Ali Carter, Kyren Wilson and Ryan Day have already secured their respective places via the one-year list at the Tour Championship (March 27-2 April) with three more spots available ahead of the start of the inaugural WST Classic on Thursday in Leicester (16-22 March). Ad Welsh Open holder Robert Milkins, new Six Red world champion Ding Junhui and four-time world champion Mark Selby hold the remaining three places in the standings, but could yet be toppled by a chasing pack consisting of 15 players.

Snooker'A pioneer of women's snooker – Murphy leads Vera Selby tributes after world champion's death6 HOURS AGO Selby holds the eighth and final spot on £135,000 – £4,500 clear of Luca Brecel in ninth. World champion O'Sullivan will meet Egypt's world No. 117 Mohamed Ibrahim in the first round of the Classic on Friday.

The world No. 1 needs to claim the £80,000 first prize at the Morningside Arena to keep alive any hope of overtaking Selby for the eighth and final place in the £380,000 Tour Championship, but even that might not be enough if Selby wins his opening two matches. As it stands, the Classic is likely to be O'Sullivan's final appearance at a ranking event before he defends the world title in Sheffield next month (April 15-May 1).

Robertson will be denied the chance to chase a third straight Tour title unless he can carry off the first prize. He meets Luke Simmonds in his tournament opener on Thursday afternoon. Latest World Snooker one-year ranking list (players in bold have