NORTHERN IRELAND OPEN
He Guoqiang and Wu Yize have withdrawn before the Northern Ireland Open begins. Elliot Slessor and Scott Donaldson move forward by walkover, while Aaron Hill and the Belfast crowd still have a genuine opening-day test to savour.
The Northern Ireland Open has not yet started, but its draw has already changed. The official tournament listing records He Guoqiang's withdrawal for medical reasons, giving Elliot Slessor a first-round walkover, while Wu Yize's withdrawal also leaves Scott Donaldson advancing without playing. It is a sharp reminder that a ranking event is shaped before the first frame: two players reach the next round, and the opening-day spotlight shifts to those who still have to earn their place at the table.
The key facts before the first Belfast session
Waterfront Hall, Belfast
He Guoqiang and Wu Yize
Elliot Slessor and Scott Donaldson advance
Aaron Hill faces Thepchaiya Un-Nooh on Sunday