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'.
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
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