Hong Kong No 1 Marco Fu Ka-chun is looking forward to returning to the professional snooker circuit once the Covid-19 pandemic has eased after deciding to pull out of the World Championship because of health concerns. Fu and the rest of the Hong Kong team have heeded the advice of the Hong Kong Sports Institute and local snooker’s governing body HKBSCC, by declining to travel to Sheffield in the United Kingdom, which has the third-largest number of Covid-19 deaths behind the United States and Brazil. “The figures I am looking at show that the risk of infection from Covid-19 is significantly higher in the UK than in Hong Kong at this moment,” said Fu, a three-time winner on the World Snooker tour and twice World Championship semi-finalist. “The HKSI and the HKBSCC [Hong Kong Billiards and Snooker Control Council) are currently recommending that we should not travel overseas, as our health and safety is their main priority at this time.” “Mindful of this information, I decided it would be prudent to withdraw on this occasion. I will continue to work hard here in Hong Kong and look forward to be ready to compete again when things have improved,” added Fu, who reached a career-high ranking of five in 2017 but is now ranked 50. The World Championship qualifiers are set for July 21-28 at the English Institute for Sport in Sheffield but travellers to the UK may face a 14-day quarantine period. Hong Kong snooker star Marco Fu in legal fight over control of his Facebook fan page Live snooker has returned to England with invitational events, with the first ranking tournament, the Coral Tour Championship, starting on Sunday in Milton Keynes. HKSI head coach Wayne Griffiths said it was encouraging to see that Fu, at 42, was still motivated to play on the pro circuit. In December, 2017, Fu underwent surgery in his left eye to correct retinal degeneration and myodesopsia, saying soon afterwards he was unsure if he would play again . “I am sure this is a good sign that he is keen to keep competing at the highest level for as long as he is enjoying it,” said Griffiths. “We certainly want to keep him playing for as long as possible. Form is temporary, but class is permanent. I feel sure he can still compete with the best if he maintains good health.” Snooker is in my blood: Hong Kong star Marco Fu itching to return to the table Hong Kong’s three-time women’s world champion Ng On-yee would have been aiming for her fourth title in Bangkok, Thailand last week had it not been cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ng was among several Hong Kong players who were set to play in World Championship qualifiers, Challenge Tour play-offs and Q School. “We are very disappointed that they are likely to miss out on the chance to compete this year,” said Griffiths. “However, they are all aware that the Hong Kong Sports Institute and the HKBSCC will always put their health and well-being as the main priority. This is more important than competing for results at this time. “In the meantime however, we will be preparing and training to make sure we are ready for when we get the green light, and it is safe for us to travel and compete again. Keeping motivation levels high and trying to ensure the training is both challenging and enjoyable, is our goal during this period of uncertainty.”