Graeme Dott won’t be playing in this year’s World Snooker Championship qualifiers due to a suspension from the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). The WPBSA announced this on Wednesday, explaining that it’s tied to a legal case set to be heard in the High Court of Scotland in June. Dott Suspended from World Qualifiers.
Dott, who won the World Snooker Championship back in 2006 after beating Peter Ebdon at the Crucible, has been a top player in the past, making it to the final a couple of times. However, he’s had a rough few seasons and has dropped down the rankings. He was supposed to start his 2025 Championship run on Friday, facing Wang Yuchen. Dott Suspended from World Qualifiers.
Although he was initially kept on the draw because he can appeal the suspension, it seems the process won’t wrap up in time for his match. So, he’s out of the competition.
Because of Dott’s withdrawal, Wang Yuchen from Hong Kong gets a free pass to the third round of the qualifiers, where he’ll go up against England’s Robert Milkins, aiming to get closer to the main event at the Crucible.
Dott’s suspension is a tough hit for him, especially considering his past achievements. His future in the sport looks uncertain with the legal case ahead, which will likely affect both him and the WPBSA. It’ll be interesting to see how things play out in the next few months.
