Ricky Walden Hospitalized, Withdraws from German Masters

Snooker player Ricky Walden has withdrawn from the German Masters due to a medical emergency that required hospitalization just hours before his match against Barry Hawkins. Although the specific health issue has not been disclosed, Walden's withdrawal was confirmed by the World Snooker Tour and former player Rolf Kalb. Prior to this incident, Walden had been in strong form, defeating Ryan Day and Dylan Emery, and was aiming for his first quarter-final appearance since the 2023 Northern Ireland Open. As a result of Walden's forfeit, Hawkins advances to the quarter-finals without contest. Meanwhile, defending champion Judd Trump continues in the tournament, expressing that the event deserves higher status within the snooker tour. The German Masters, with a total prize fund of £550,400, remains a significant competition in the snooker calendar.