Neil Robertson was set to work as a BBC pundit on their coverage of the World Snooker Championship, but he has been forced to pull out after his dog fell seriously ill.
Robertson signed up as a pundit after he was beaten in qualifying by Jamie Jones, meaning the 42-year-old would not to feature at the tournament for the first time since 2005. However, he has now had to pull out of the gig to care for his dog Freddie.
In a post on social media, Robertson wrote: "Hey guys. Just letting you know sadly I won't be part of the punditry team next week as our dog has fallen very ill and needs some thorough assessment. It's touch and go so all (praying emoji) really needed."
Robertson won the tournament back in 2010 after beating Graeme Dott in the final, but his run of 19 consecutive Crucible appearances came to an end this year after his defeat to Jones where he was beaten 10-9.
"Well, that hurts," Robertson said after the loss. "Fair play to Jamie though from 8-5 up I barely had a chance he played brilliant. Tough season all round and some time off needed for sure. Thanks everyone for the continued support. I'll be back much stronger next season, I can guarantee that."
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Reflecting on his victory, Jones said: "I don't know what it is about this tournament, it just brings the best out of me. My style is to never give up and I knew I was up against it when it was 8-5 but I thought if I could hit him early I would have a chance.
"I love the way the top players play. In practice I play like a top player, I just don't produce it enough in other competitions. Neil had buried me every time I had played him so I haven't got good memories of playing him."
The Welshman is now set to face four-time world champion John Higgins in the first round, who gave an honest assessment of his chances of winning a fifth world title. "The belief I can win it again is getting less and less if I'm being totally honest," Higgins admitted.
"It's getting harder and harder as the years go on. But you never give up do you. I've spent 30 years going to the Crucible and it is where you really need that mental side. It's a difficult tournament, it really is.
"It's a very enjoyable tournament obviously because it's your final tournament of the year, and you want to put everything into it. But it is difficult, it's difficult when you get down to that final weekend."
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