Ronnie O’Sullivan WITHDRAWS from Scottish Open snooker just hours before first match
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has pulled out of the Scottish Open.
The seven-time world champion was set to face Xing Zihao of China in the opening round in Edinburgh.
Xing will now be given a bye to the second round.
O’Sullivan’s decision to withdraw comes just 24 hours before he was scheduled to play.
He has not played since his first round exit in the UK Championship against Barry Hawkins, who reached the final.
The Rocket appeared frustrated during the match as he punched the table, but praised his opponent following the defeat.
He said: “Barry played a good match and deserved his win, so I have to give all the credit to him.
“He played well, was solid and took his chances.
“I’m just enjoying playing, that’s the important thing. I try to not look back on it and on to whatever the next event is.”
O’Sullivan, 48, could be deciding to keep fresh for the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, which takes place from December 18-20.
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It is the final event of the year and O’Sullivan will enter the competition as defending champion, having won the inaugural tournament in March.
There is £250,000 in prize money on offer and the world number four has previously shared how much he loves playing in the Gulf state.
O’Sullivan said of the country: “Saudi Arabia has really raised the bar, this is the best event on the tour.
“I’ve never seen so many happy snooker players, everyone is excited to be here, we want to compete, play well and put on a really good show for the Saudi Arabian fans.
“The tables, the facilities, the venue that’s been put together. This tournament deserves to watch the best snooker ever seen. It really is that good.”
Inside Ronnie's colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.
Check out all our latest Ronnie O’Sullivan articles.