Chris Small has withdrawn from the Embassy World Championship just an hour after completing the opening session of his first-round game with fellow Scot Alan McManus.
The former Edinburgh bank clerk trailed 7-1 after the first session, which including an incident in frame seven when he conceded with 14 reds remaining on the table.
Tournament director Mike Ganley announced the 30-year-old would not return tomorrow for the remaining 11 frames due to ill health. Small's decision means McManus becomes the first player into the last 16 where he will play Peter Ebdon or Ian McCulloch.
A statement issued on behalf of the player said that Small had withdrawn as a result of problem with his eyes.
'The number of steroid injections he has needed to allow him to play snooker have had an adverse effect on his health. Since a recent injection into the base of his skull, he has had problems focusing. On Thursday, while having another steroid injection into his spine, he was warned of a build-up of fluid behind his eyes. He was advised to see a specialist on his return from Sheffield,' it stated.
McManus admitted being dumbstruck by the news of Small's withdrawal. He said: "There's not really much I can do or say. You don't expect this to happen, especially with the tournament only a couple of hours old."
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
Click on the link below for the latest scores from day one of the World Championships.
