Hong Kong government wants to protect ‘immature persons’ from ‘adverse affects’ of staying late in billiard establishments ‘which will affect their studies’.

The two meet in qualifying for the German Masters, weeks after Fu’s maximum break won their semi-final in a hometown tournament that dramatically revived his fortunes.

The 44-year-old shows ‘glimpses of brilliance’ in Sheffield but it’s ultimately ‘disappointment’ as he misses out on the Barbican in York.

Hong Kong’s Marco Fu rattles off three consecutive century breaks in win over China’s Bai Langning.

Quarantine is ‘very difficult for players to accept, with the rest of the world having opened,’ source says. ‘The world governing body could not believe it.’

Quarantined cue ace opts for a direct approach to grab the attention of the Hong Kong chief executive, who acknowledges Fu’s message in Facebook post.

Marco Fu loses to 6-5 Ian Burns in his first tournament in more than two years, while Ng On-yee makes solid start but is ultimately well beaten 6-2 by Rory McLeod.

Fu knocks in high score at Ding Junhui Snooker Academy in Sheffield ahead of World Snooker Championship qualifiers next week. Ng On-yee is also aiming to qualify for the main draw.

The Hong Kong professional has a two-season tour card but has yet to return to the circuit in Britain because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

WPBSA chairman confirms Ng On-yee and Marco Fu Ka-chun’s ‘problematic’ UK hold-up, while the Chinese government orders governing body not to host events ‘until after the Winter Olympics’.

World No 13 Mark Allen critical of decision to award wild cards to veterans Jimmy White, Stephen Hendry and Ken Doherty but Fu’s situation a ‘whole different story’ after Covid-19 disruption.

Snooker fans take to social media to praise the WPBSA’s decision to give Fu a chance to resurrect his career, with the Hong Kong player looking forward to his return.

World governing body chief Jason Ferguson says Fu was hindered by travel restrictions out of Hong Kong and is likely to receive an invitational tour card.

Former club owner Chan Kwok-ming says they pay an average HK$200,000 a month for the rent and the sector is struggling to stay alive

The former world No 5 has seen his ranking drop to 64 and it may fall further as the season continues, which would deny him an automatic spot on the tour

A break of more than 147 occurs when the player receives a free ball at the start of the frame, and only a handful of players have ever achieved the feat.

Snooker establishments reopen on Friday after a second closure – this time for 50 days – but officials question remaining restrictions, including using only half a club’s tables.

Ten more mainland players say ‘no’ to the Crucible tournament, while Hong Kong’s Ng On-yee and Andy Lee are yet to decide on participation in qualifiers.

Hong Kong’s former world No 5 Marco Fu says he is looking forward to the day he can travel again and compete on the World Snooker pro circuit.

Hong Kong No 1 Marco Fu will not compete at the Sheffield showpiece after tweeting that he ‘feels unsafe’ about travelling to the UK.

The six-time Asian Games medallist says his former agents have taken control of the account, despite ending their partnership in June.

Two-time gold medallist Marco Fu says it could be his last chance to win a medal at the Asian Games as he calls on Asians to put pressure on organisers

The world No 25 scores s 4-2 victory in the Coral World Grand Prix after nine straight losses against the five-time world champion