Mark Selby and Neil Robertson pull out of Turkish Masters
Robertson and Selby will be absent from Turkey (Anna Gowthorpe/PA Archive/PA Images)
Mark Selby and Neil Robertson have both withdrawn from next week’s Turkish Masters due to personal reasons.
The inaugural event commences at the Nirvana Cosmopolitan Hotel in Antalya on Monday, with a top prize of £100,000 on offer to the winner.
However, Selby and Robertson will be absent after pulling out of the event, with both citing personal reasons.
Reigning World champion Selby, who was due to face Wu Yize, has been replaced in the draw by Haydon Pinhey.
Meanwhile, Robertson – winner of the English Open, Masters and World Grand Prix this season – was set to play Iulian Boiko, who will now lock horns with Simon Blackwell.
Selby, who recently lifted the lid on his ongoing battle with depression, said: “It’s fantastic for snooker that we are going to a new territory and just unfortunate that this has come at the wrong time for me due to the challenges I am currently facing. I wish every success to the event and our partners in Turkey.”
Robertson added: “I want to apologise to all fans in Turkey and I hope I will be able to play in this event next year. I wish the tournament every success.”