Judd Trump and Jack Lisowski ruled out of The Masters
World number one Judd Trump (Photo by PA Images)
Judd Trump and Jack Lisowski have been ruled out of The 2021 Masters after testing positive for Covid-19.
The world number one and world number 14 both tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes and have been withdrawn from the event.
Trump, the 2019 Masters champion, was due to face David Gilbert in his opening match of the tournament on Sunday afternoon.
He has now been replaced by Joe Perry – who will take on Gilbert at 7pm on Sunday evening.
Lisowski was due to face Kyren Wilson but has now been replaced by Gary Wilson, with the match taking place at 1pm on Sunday.
Perry and Gary Wilson were both already present at the venue as reserves and have returned negative test results.
Trump and Lisowski will now undergo a further period of self isolation and will receive the support of WST and WPBSA.
The Betfred Masters sees 16 of the world’s top cueists competing from January 10-17 for £725,000 in prize money and the iconic Paul Hunter Trophy.
Due to current restrictions, the 2021 Masters will be held behind closed doors in Milton Keynes, as opposed to in front of a packed crowd at Alexandra Palace.
Stuart Bingham is the defending champion after he defeated Ali Carter 10-8 in last year’s final.