Robertson And Selby Withdraw From Nirvana Turkish Masters

Neil Robertson and Mark Selby have pulled out of next week’s Nirvana Turkish Masters, both for personal reasons.

Robertson was due to face Iulian Boiko in the first round of the new event in Antalya on Tuesday March 8th. Instead Boiko will face Simon Blackwell, who is the highest player on the Q School ranking list not already in the field.

Selby was due to meet Wu Yize on Monday March 7th. Instead Wu will face Haydon Pinhey.

Zak Surety has also pulled out of his second round tie and his opponent Lu Ning will now receive a bye.

Australia’s Robertson said: “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.”

Selby added: “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.”