The third round Malta Cup qualifier between Tony Drago and Shokat Ali has been put back to just before the eventual tournament in Malta, at the Hilton Portomaso Conference Centre next January.

And even if Drago beats Ali in that match, he will have to play another qualifier – a fourth round tie – against Barry Pinches to reach the last 32.

The tournament in Malta is being held between 30 January and 5 February.

Ronnie O'Sullivan, Quinten Hann, Brian Morgan, Steve James, Paul Wykes will be missing. They have not entered to take part.