Ronnie pulls out from Bahrain

[Peter147]

How long do those ear infections usually last? Second round matches start Tuesday...

According to this website, infection usually clears within a few days. No doubt Davis' will last longer than that.

[dannyd0g]

According to this website, infection usually clears within a few days. No doubt Davis' will last longer than that.

LOL, that is very cynical

[gmg]

I recall Davis being in a very similar situation back in the mid-90's even though there wasn't much talk about it on that occasion. I think it was the second round of the 1995 German Open. He was playing David Roe and would have been fully expected to beat him (I don't think he'd ever previously lost to Roe). However, I wasn't at all surprised that he did lose on this occasion as he had another engagement. I can't quite remember the full details but I think it may have been the World Trickshot Championship. His loyalties obviously lie with Hearn. Anyone recall this incident in more detail?
G.

[bonoman1970]

Why play a tournament in Bahrain????? makes no sense to me !

[Ekphantos]

Why play a tournament in Bahrain????? makes no sense to me !

How can you judge that now? If there are sponsors AND a good crowd, the country doesn't matter. The latter for me is a problem in China, so we will see in Bahrain.

[scoo24]

How can you judge that now? If there are sponsors AND a good crowd, the country doesn't matter. The latter for me is a problem in China, so we will see in Bahrain.

I remember years ago there was a tournament in Dubai "The Dubai Classic" and it was a good ranking tournament with good prize money, the crowd seemed great to me so another Gulf country may do the game some good.

People were complaining of the lack of rankers so at least this is a step in the right direction, shame that some of the top players won't be there though

[Rudeshark]

LOL, that is very cynical

I think that Steve is obviously having to "play the game" here. If he'd been a top 8 player, I don't think there'd be any question in it. He's a decent chap so would have just pulled out.

As it happens, he's desperate for the ranking points and is having a decent season so there's a good chance he can reach the top 16 again. Getting Ronnie would have played his hand. I guess he'd have gone along, expected to lose and come back with his conscience clear.

Now it's more complicated because if he withdraws, he's not really being fair to Higgins, Selby and Ding because technically they could have done the same thing.

If Steve pulls out now, there's the whole issue of whether he will get the 2nd round loser points because of Ronnie's prior withdrawal. If he waits until the last minute and a medical reason then he's more likely to get those points.

Personally, if he can travel then I think he should go along and play in the 2nd round - especially if they are accommodating and move the match to earlier - and then come back to the PL game.

It's not a great situation but as long as he's not breaking rules then you have to think of yourself now and then. I think he's earned the right to do it once...

R.

[poolqjunkie]

May be Judd Trump would have another chance for a quarter or even semi finals peformance?

[Templeton Peck]

Davis won't get 2nd round points if he withdraws now, he'll get the 1st round points like Ronnie (although he'll get the unseeded points) if his excuse is accepted because he isn't available for play in the first round. To be eligible for 2nd round points you have to be available for play in the 1st round.

[gby4]

Due to ear infection Davis would not be available for play in the 1st round, but he doesn't have a first round match since ROS pulled out. If he recovers from ear infection by Monday, he will be able to fly to Bahrain and play the second round match. If he wins he can then withdraw and get back to play in PL on Thursday. If he wins and pulls out , ( as he has to in order not to get sued by Hearn ) there will be only three QF matches to play in Bahrain. There is going to be 2 walk-overs anyway. Is not having a QF match so much worse than not having yet one more well known player in the tornament ?

[Templeton Peck]

If he withdraws he could in theory be stripped of all of his points for the tournament. If he has a sicknote he will almost certainly get the points he was due.

[zombieman]

Due to ear infection Davis would not be available for play in the 1st round, but he doesn't have a first round match since ROS pulled out. If he recovers from ear infection by Monday, he will be able to fly to Bahrain and play the second round match.

And I thought you can only get a BYE if you are ready to play and your opponent is not.