NEIL ROBERTSON has snubbed the Scottish Open at late notice – and he’s not the only big name to pull out.
Former world champion Robertson would have been one of the better-known stars at this week’s showdown.
Robertson has withdrawn from the Scottish Open at late notice
Robertson’s opponent, He Guoqiang, has been given a bye into the last 32Credit: PA
The Aussie, 43, is in good form, having made it to the UK Championship semi-finals earlier this month, where he was beaten by world No.1 .
But he decided not to have a crack at the and mysteriously withdrew hours before its scheduled start time this morning.
Robertson – a Crucible champ in 2010 – was slated to face He Guoqiang in the first round.
Guoqiang has now been given a bye to the last 32, guaranteeing him at least £5,400 in winnings and moving him a step closer to the £100,000 top prize.
Matthew Stevens, Ben Mertens and reigning world champion Zhao Xintong have also progressed without hitting a ball after their opponents withdrew.
Robertson, Robert Milkins and Jak Jones were joined by three-time world champ Mark Williams in pulling out of the Scottish Open and scruffing up the first-round draw.
Trump, Ding Junhui and didn’t even enter the draw and won’t be there either.
But that’s not to say there won’t be any big names for fans to cheer on.
John Higgins, Kyren Wilson, Mark Allen, Gary Wilson and Shaun Murphy are all set to scrap for the Stephen Hendry Trophy.
Defending champion Lei Peifan and runner-up Wu Yize are also posturing for another deep run north of the border.
The same goes for Mark Selby, who held off a Trump fightback to the weekend before last.
Selby said “winning breeds confidence” after going all the way in York and will be one of the men to beat at the Scottish Open, where play is already underway.
Mark Williams was another late withdrawalCredit: PA
Ronnie O’Sullivan didn’t even enter the drawCredit: PA
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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