Regret over Rocket's pullout from HK event

Jamie Liu

China's Si Jiahui expressed regret at Ronnie O'Sullivan's withdrawal from this week's World Grand Prix 2025, the first snooker world tournament to be held in the Kai Tak facilities.

Si, who was originally scheduled to face O'Sullivan in his first match, said he had looked forward to learning from the 'Rocket,' but the change would not affect him.

"This will the first time I participate in such a big event in Hong Kong. I will put up my best performance and eye for championship, but I will not give myself too much pressure," Si added.

Fellow Chinese player Ding Junhui, former world No 1, said the competition, will let more people learn about snooker and attract youngsters to the sport.

Seven-time world champion O'Sullivan, who was granted Hong Kong residency under the talent scheme, withdrew from the tournament due to health issues.

The Briton expressed deep regret for being unable to participate in the competition, adding that he had always longed to make his comeback in Hong Kong.

O'Sullivan's spot will be taken by Iranian player Hossein Vafaei, currently ranked 33rd.

The six-day World Grand Prix, the city's first snooker ranking tournament in 35 years, will make its grand debut at Kai Tak Arena starting tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan gave credit to public transport operators for facilitating a smooth flow of visitors in and out of the Kai Tak Sports Park for Saturday's grand opening ceremony.

In a Facebook post, Chan reported that the overall traffic flow was smooth, thanks to the multiple drills conducted before the event.

She highlighted that the public transport operators had enhanced their capacity to manage the influx of visitors on opening day adding that most of the audience followed the government's advice to take the MTR.

Chan stated that most passengers could catch the first train shortly after arriving at the platform following the event.