MARK ALLEN claims Hossein Vafaei and Ben Woollaston don’t deserve to be called up as late replacements for snooker’s World Grand Prix.
The pair stepped in for the prestigious event, starting in Hong Kong on Tuesday, Hong Kong event, after Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Maguire withdrew for medical reasons.
AlamyMark Allen is against including players who didn’t ‘qualify’ on rankings[/caption]
It follows seven-time world champion O’Sullivan pulling out of other major tournaments in recent months.
World No.7 Allen will face Kent cuer Jimmy Robertson, who is ranked 29 places below him, in the first round on Wednesday.
But the Northern Irish star, who has won two Triple Crown titles, disagrees with players who didn’t make it on their ratings being given a chance.
Allen, 39, said: “Nothing against Ben or Hossein but I really don’t agree with guys being replaced by those who have technically failed to qualify.
“Imagine number 17 doesn’t qualify for Sheffield. A top-16 player WDs (withdraws), does 17 get back in as next in line? Both Ronnie and Mags have earned their 10k.
“All those not in the top-32 on the one-year list have had their chance to qualify and haven’t done so.
“Semis of the world, someone falls ill…replace with the highest ranked (who has) already lost or a bye?”
Woollaston will tackle reigning masters champion Shaun Murphy on the opening day.
PABen Woollaston has been handed the chance to shine against Shaun Murphy[/caption]
GettyHossein Vafaeiis the othe latte replacement and faces Si Jiahui[/caption]
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The 37-year-old has picked up just one professional title, at the minor-ranking third Players Tour Championship event 14 years ago.
Fellow sub Vafaei faces China’s World No.13 Si Jiahui on Wednesday.
Ironically, the 30-year-old Iranian is perhaps best known as a nemesis of O’Sullivan.
The pair appear to have patched up past differences.
But Vafaei dumped the Rocket out of the World Open last March, winning 5-4 after the 49-year-old missed a final-frame black.
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