World snooker champion Mark Selby has suffered a neck injury just weeks before the scheduled defence of his Crucible title.
The world No.1 felt pain during his China Open first round victory against Mark Joyce. Selby had to withdraw from the same event in Beijing three years ago with a bulging disc but is hopeful the problem will clear ahead of snooker's biggest tournament on April 18.
"It is a worry. I was in pain playing against Mark," Selby said following his win against Joyce.
"Yesterday I pulled my neck again, as I did a few years ago. So I felt a bit uncomfortable out there. Hopefully it won't be as bad as it was before and I'll be okay within the next few days.
"Yesterday I was struggling so I did some stretches, took some painkillers and had a massage.
"It felt okay before the match started, then at the interval I went to the toilet and slipped and felt it. I can get down on the shot, it's just a little bit of pain so hopefully it will wear off. My health is more important than anything else."
Judd Trump, who staged a tremendous comeback to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan and claim the World Grand Prix crown in March, ended Andrew Higginson's hopes of turning the tables as he also recorded a 5-3 win to progress.
Having gone 3-1 up courtesy of two three-figure breaks, Trump saw Higginson battle back to 3-3 before taking the final two frames. He faces Peter Ebdon in round two.
Trump said: "I used to get frustrated playing Peter but not now. If you beat him you can win the title."
There were also wins for John Higgins and Mark Williams, whilst Joe Perry lost the final three frames to be eliminated 5-3 by David Gilbert. Michael White also beat Ken Doherty after a 74 break in a deciding frame. Elsewhere, Shaun Murphy eased through and Graeme Dott came from 3-2 down to beat Daniel Wells.