Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan was booed by angry Edinburgh fans after his last-minute withdrawal from the Scottish Open at Meadowbank Sports Centre.
The seven-time World Champion pulled out of his evening session match against Xing Zihao less than 24 hours before he was due to play on Tuesday night.
The ‘Rocket’s’ match was replaced by Shaun Murphy’s clash with Daniel Wells with O’Sullivan’s career highlights being shown on screens inside the venue ahead of the evening session.
But fans voiced their frustration at O’Sullivan’s last-minute withdrawal as boos rang out from the crowd.
Ronnie O’Sullivan pulled out of the Scottish Open
PA
O’Sullivan pulling out wasn’t the only blow for snooker fans as world No 1 Judd Trump and three-time world champion Mark Williams were also absent from the tournament.
The withdrawal sparked anger among fans who had spent considerable money and time travelling to the event.
One fan who made the journey from Inverness expressed his frustration to Edinburgh News: “I can’t believe Ronnie has pulled out of the tournament.
“I got the train from Inverness and have tickets for his opening match.
“He’s an absolute disgrace for doing this hours before he was meant to play. It cost me a fortune.”
Ronnie O’Sullivan has angered fans with his late withdrawal
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Fan frustration was further evident as one spectator mockingly suggested O’Sullivan should be renamed “Ronnie O’Villan,” adding that The Rocket is so wealthy “he probably doesn’t think the £100,000 prize money is worth getting out of bed for.”
Another disappointed fan revealed this wasn’t the first time O’Sullivan had let supporters down, stating: “Ronnie was the one I really wanted to see. I bought my ticket ages ago, and now I’ll either flog it or give it away. I should have known better – he pulled out at the last minute last year too.”
The withdrawal follows O’Sullivan’s comments in May about potentially quitting British tournaments in favour of more lucrative opportunities abroad.
“I’m contracted to do certain events in China, and I’m contracted to go to Saudi, so obviously they’ve got first dibs then it’s about spending time at home with the family,” the 49-year-old explained.
O’Sullivan was particularly direct about his financial requirements for tournament appearances: “If people are prepared to pay it, I’ll get my cue out of my case.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has made a habit of late withdrawals this season
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“If they’re not, I’m content to never ever play again, and move on and do other stuff.”
O’Sullivan is expected to return to action next week to defend his title at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship.
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