World number three Neil Robertson has been forced to withdraw from the 2025 Scottish Open in Edinburgh, citing a painful and persistent injury. The Australian star, a former champion of the event, revealed the specific medical issue that has been hampering his performances.
Injury Details Force Robertson's Exit
Neil Robertson disclosed on social media platform X that a strained piriformis muscle and an injured disc are behind his last-minute withdrawal. The piriformis is a deep muscle in the buttock, and issues with it can cause significant pain and discomfort. Robertson explained he has been 'playing with discomfort for the last few comps' and is now focusing on treatment to ensure he is fit for the new year.
Robertson was one of four high-profile players to pull out of the tournament shortly before it began on Monday, December 15. The others were Mark Williams, Jak Jones, and Robert Milkins. While the World Snooker Tour did not initially give reasons, Robertson has now been transparent about his situation.
Williams's Mysterious Absence and Higgins's Progress
Fellow snooker legend Mark Williams also withdrew but was less forthcoming about his reasons. The Welshman posted on X, stating, 'No one needs to [know why] you have pulled out really, private.' He did emphasise his strong record of attendance, noting you could 'count how many comps I pulled out of on two hands in 30 years.'
Meanwhile, another veteran of the game, John Higgins, successfully began his campaign at the Meadowbank Sports Centre. The four-time world champion, aged 50, secured a 4-2 victory over Poland's Antoni Kowalski. Despite booking his place in the second round with a high break of 104, the 'Wizard of Wishaw' was critical of his own performance, crediting luck and his young opponent's strong safety play for the win.
Surprise Results and Tournament Schedule
The opening day in Edinburgh was not short of drama. Local hope Stephen Maguire fell to a 4-2 defeat against China's Chang Bingyu, who finished strongly with breaks of 102 and 55. The shock of the day, however, saw two-time Scottish Open champion Gary Wilson beaten 4-1 by 17-year-old Chinese professional Lan Yuhao.
Lan Yuhao, in his debut professional season, produced an impressive display with breaks of 51, 112 and 60 to secure one of his finest victories to date. He will now face Wu Yize in the next round.
The tournament continues throughout the week, with the second round commencing on Wednesday, December 17. Key matches will see John Higgins take on Noppon Saengkham, while other top stars like Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, and Mark Allen are set to begin their challenges.
