The Masters has been dealt another major blow on the eve of the competition after it was announced Judd Trump and Jack Lisowki would both miss the tournament.
The World Snooker Tour has this afternoon announced the pair have tested positive for coronavirus and therefore are unable to play.
Joe Perry will take Trump’s place and Gary Wilson replaces Lisowski and will play his name-sake Kyren Wilson in the first match on Sunday at 1pm.
The loss of world number one Trump and World Grand Prix finalist Lisowski is another big blow for the famous competition, just days after it was confirmed the event could not take place at it’s traditional home – The Alexandra Palace in London.
Instead it will be held at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, where all of snooker’s other events have been played this season.
Perry will play David Gilbert on Sunday evening.
A statement from the World Snooker Tour said: “WST is following extensive Covid-19 guidelines in a ‘bubble’ environment for this event. All players are tested two days in advance of their first match, and after the test they remain in isolation until the result is received.
“All other players and officials tested at the event so far have had negative results.
“Trump and Lisowski will now undergo a further period of self isolation and will receive the support of WST and WPBSA.”
Both Trump and Lisowski played each other in the World Grand Prix final last month, with Trump winning 10-7.
Revised Masters Draw:
Stuart BINGHAM vs Thepchaiya UN-NOOH
Shaun MURPHY vs Mark WILLIAMS
Mark SELBY vs Stephen MAGUIRE
Neil ROBERTSON vs Yan BINGTAO
Joe PERRY vs David GILBERT
Kyren WILSON vs Gary WILSON
John HIGGINS vs Mark ALLEN
Ronnie O’SULLIVAN vs Ding JUNHUI
Snooker Chat 
Brilliant, The Great J.V. is back where he belongs. Really can look forward to the next eight days.
Yes good to hear JV back commentating.
Sending best wishes for Trump and Lisowski to make a full recovery.