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Ronnie O'Sullivan Issues Weak Defence Of His Scottish Open Decision

Ronnie O'Sullivan Issues Weak Defence Of His Scottish Open Decision

By Colman Stanley Updated Dec 16, 2023 11:00 PM

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Ronnie O'Sullivan was a late withdrawal from the this year's Scottish Open, following his victory in the final of the UK Championship on December 3.

He was due to play teenager Liam Graham on Monday, December 11, before pulling out due to 'medical reasons'.

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Graham ripped into O'Sullivan for the lateness of his withdrawal - Sunday evening - with O'Sullivan hitting back at critics while on punditry duty at the Scottish Open.

Ronnie O'Sullivan Hits Back At Critics

I am feeling alright. I’ve recovered from the UK Championship, it was a hard tournament and it took a lot out of me.

I was not quite ready to come and play here at the Scottish Open which is really disappointing as I love this tournament, love this city and love this venue.

Contrary to what everyone has said, I did pull out on Sunday night. I did not leave it to the last minute which everyone seemed to think, as I would not do that.

Given that 'last minute' is quite often more of a turn of phrase, it is not a particularly convincing argument from O'Sullivan.

READ HERE: Teenager Rips Into 'Disrespectful' Ronnie O'Sullivan Over Scottish Open Withdrawal

"I wouldn't do that." 😠

Ronnie O'Sullivan rubbishes claims that he pulled out of the Scottish Open at the last minute. #ScottishOpen pic.twitter.com/t1XtYVCiBk

— Eurosport (@eurosport) December 15, 2023

“It’s disrespectful what he’s done, it’s not right," the 19-year-old Graham said earlier in the week.

"A lot of people took time off work to come and watch today and it’s disappointing.

“At the end of the day I want to play the best players in the world and I was really looking forward to it. I had a lot of people coming to watch and it’s really disappointing for them.

“It’s not surprising given the things he does. I found out when I got to the venue this morning. I didn’t have much prior warning, I think he pulled out very late.

"I would have stayed at home and all the people who have travelled to watch me would have come another day as well.”

Graham was subsequently knocked out in the second round by Sanderson Lam.

The semi-finals will take place later today, with Gary Wilson facing off against Zhou Yuelong, and John Higgins taking on Noppon Saengkham.