Jin Long, one of the best cueists in China, has still left his China Open appearance in doubt.

The Asian Championship winner failed to compete in last year's qualifying event, and has thus been rejected by the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association.

It's reported the Chinese Snooker Association is trying to get the local star a wildcard, but with huge difficulties.

Another Chinese star and world youth champion, Liang Wenbo, has been shut out of the tournament after failing to qualify.

The 2006 World Snooker China Open will be held in Beijing from March 20th to the 26th, with China's teenage prodigy Ding Junhui defending the title.

World number one Rony O'Sullivan and an array of snooker elites will descend on Beijing for the tournament.

Eight Chinese players have been granted wildcards to take part in the top world competition.

(CRI February 12, 2006)