Ding Junhui wants Coronavirus testing for Masters fans

Sheffield-based Ding, the world No.10, will be one of 16 players taking part in the event which plans to welcome back 1,000 fans per session to the London venue.

Ding has already expressed concerns about the prospect of fans returning to snooker halls after England’s new tiered system was announced at the end of last month.

And the 14-time ranking event winner, who is due to face six-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in his first match at the tournament, wants all supporters to prove they are Covid negative before entering the venue.

Asked if he would play in the Triple Crown event in front of fans, the 33-year-old said: “I’m not sure. I’ll see what happens and I don’t know yet.

“Everybody [could] take a test one day before the 1,000 people, then they come through to the venue with a document to show people they are not positive. That is more fair to players.

“We love fans coming to watch, but we don’t want to put ourselves in dangers. There’s only 16 players and if anybody catches it, we’re not going to die, but the virus is not good for the body.

“Maybe I will play for the next ten years but if because this time I catch the virus, I couldn’t play that longer it’s very disappointing.

“The most important thing is that I don’t want to catch the virus.

“We can’t decide anything – World Snooker Tour have got the plan and decide. We don’t have any power to do that, so I’m just suggesting not to let fans in because London is heading towards a Level 3 lockdown now. It’s not looking good.”

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