Drawing Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first round used to be a one way ticket home for most players. There was certainly no need to book a second night in the hotel.
But lately it can be seen as an easy route to the next round - as you're never sure he will turn up.
The Rocket has been conspicuous by his absence in recent tournaments - the Haikou Open and PTC Finals in Galway - citing his glandular fever as leaving him drained of energy and unable to compete.
So I wouldn't blame Scotland's Marcus Campbell for feeling slightly happy that he was drawn against Ronnie in this week's China Open. They are due to play on Wednesday, but as of yet there's no news on whether Ronnie will show up.
After withdrawing from Haikou, Ronnie insisted he'd played in Germany and Wales against his doctor’s advice and that he must 'listen to his body sometimes'. He added that he wanted to concentrate on being ready for the World Championships next month.
Now the big question is: will he turn up to the Crucible?
Not showing up for ranking events can be annoying for the ticket-buying public (and also the sponsors), but not turning up for the Worlds is completely different - it could potentially damage his reputation and would certainly leave Barry Hearn fuming.
Let's hope he is saving all his energy up for his first round match in Sheffield on Monday, April 23 - and doesn't turn back for Essex half way up the M1.
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