John Higgins, who reached the final of the Masters earlier this month, has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the German Masters in Milton Keynes; Judd Trump returned to action with a win after testing positive for the virus
Thursday 28 January 2021 10:58, UK
John Higgins has tested positive for coronavirus and has been forced to withdraw from the German Masters in Milton Keynes.
The four-time world champion had been due to start his campaign against Stuart Carrington, who now receives a bye.
All the other players in the 32-man tournament have returned negative tests.
The event marks the return of Judd Trump, who was forced to miss the Masters earlier this month after testing positive for the virus.
The world No 1, who was asymptomatic throughout, opened the defence of his title with a comfortable 5-1 victory against Mark Davis.
"I felt a little bit out of touch," Trump told World Snooker Tour following his first outing of 2021.
"I haven't been at an event for over month. I felt a bit rusty and it kind of showed with a few easy mistakes messing up on 50 and 60.
"It is something I am going to have tighten up, but other than that it was quite solid and I am happy to get the win."
Meanwhile World Snooker Tour have confirmed that next month's Welsh Open will be staged at the Celtic Manor resort for the first time.
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