James Wade has been ruled out of competing in the Cazoo Premier League in Sheffield on Thursday after spending three nights in hospital.
The 'Machine' was taken ill at the European Open in Leverkusen at the weekend, suffering from palpitations, dizziness and nausea. Wade, 39, was treated at the venue by German paramedics before being admitted to hospital for tests and observation.
Although the world No.5 returned home to Aldershot yesterday, he will not play in the Premier League – where he is well-placed to reach next month's play-offs in Berlin – on medical advice. His absence means Masters champion Joe Cullen receives a bye into the second round of Thursday's action at the Utilita Arena.