Mark Williams Withdraws From International Championship Due to Respiratory Infection
World champion Mark Williams has been forced to withdraw from the International Championship in Nanjing, China, after contracting a respiratory infection. The 49-year-old Welshman announced his absence on social media, casting doubt on his participation in next month’s Champion of Champions tournament.
Williams’ withdrawal joins a growing list of notable absentees from the tournament, including Ali Carter, who is also missing the event for personal reasons. The international Championship,a notable ranking event on the World Snooker Tour,is scheduled to begin this weekend,with Judd Trump adn recent Northern Ireland Open champion Jack Lisowski among the players still set to compete.
“Man down. No International Championship for me,” Williams posted on Twitter. “Respiratory infection.Another week then doing nothing.Champion of Champions next stop, fingers crossed.”
The news comes just weeks after Williams secured a memorable victory at the Northern Ireland Open, a win he hopes will serve as a catalyst for further success. Lisowski, who will face louis Heathcote in the first round on Monday, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think this gives me a bit of a boost. Hopefully this is the start of my career. I’ve been a pro for 14 or 15 years. I’ve served my apprenticeship. And now I am here, I guess.”
Williams is now focusing on recovery with the Champion of Champions tournament in Leicester looming in November. The Welshman will be hoping for a swift return to full fitness to defend his title at the prestigious event.
