Neil Robertson has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland Open after picking up a respiratory virus.
The 2010 snooker world champion reached the last 32 of the Xi’an Grand Prix last week, but lost 5-4 to He Guoqiang.
2
Robertson has had to pull out of the Northern Ireland OpenCredit: Getty
Robertson was due to face David Grace in the first round of the 2025 Northern Ireland Open, which begins in Belfast on Sunday.
However, he will no longer compete in the tournament having posted a worrying health update on social media.
What did Robertson say?
On X, he said: “Hey guys. After coming back from China I picked up a brutal respiratory virus in Xi’an that didn’t hit me until Sunday.
“It made breathing anything above 40 per cent a challenge and bed ridden for almost six days.
“I’ve never experienced anything like it and can quite honestly say it was one of the worst experiences I’ve gone through.
“I’m on the mend now but still quite a way to go, and for this reason I had no choice but to withdraw from Northern Ireland.
“It’s the only home nation event I haven’t won so it was high on my agenda this season. It’s a shame to miss it but sadly had no choice.”
Robertson has never won the Northern Ireland Open, with a semi-final appearance in 2022 his best performance.
He was set to play his ninth tournament in Belfast, although 2025 has still be a successful year of snooker for the Australian.
The 43-year-old won his second World Grand Prix title in March as he thrashed Stuart Bingham 10-0 in the final.
2
Robertson picked up his virus after returning from the Xi’an OpenCredit: Getty
Robertson then beat Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-9 to win the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters in August.
It’s not yet known when he will return to the table as he continues his recovery from the virus.
Northern Ireland Open details
The Waterfront Hall in Belfast will stage the tenth edition of the next ranking event, the seventh of the season.
Kyren Wilson has entered as the reigning champion following his 9-3 victory over Judd Trump last year.
World no.2 Wilson meets Oliver Lines in his opening match, where a win would see him face Matthew Selt or Ryan Day in the last 32.
Mark Selby, Trump and world champion Zhao Xintong are also in action, whilst Xi’an Grand Prix winner Mark Williams withdrew.