Ronnie O’Sullivan hit with astonishing rocket as rising star rips 'disrespectful' icon for ruining his dream

New Scot on the block Liam Graham slammed Ronnie O'Sullivan as “disrespectful” after he pulled out on the opening morning of the Scottish Open.

The Rocket, who won a record-extending eighth UK Championship earlier this month, was due to face the talented teenager, 19, in the first round in Edinburgh. But the tournament suffered a blow when the world No.1 left organisers scrambling to find a last-minute replacement when he withdrew due to “medical reasons” at the eleventh hour.

Home young gun Graham was buzzing for his big day out against the Rocket and an army of friends and family took the day off work and travelled to roar him on at the Meadowbank Centre. And the tour rookie, who received a bye into the last 64, blasted: “It’s disrespectful what he’s done, it’s not right. A lot of people took time off work to come and watch today and it’s disappointing.

“At the end of the day I want to play the best players in the world and I was really looking forward to it. I had a lot of people coming to watch and it’s really disappointing for them. It’s not surprising given the things he does. I found out when I got to the venue this morning. I didn’t have much prior warning, I think he pulled out very late. I would have stayed at home and all the people who have travelled to watch me would have come another day as well.”

Graham now locks horns with Belgium’s Ben Mertens in the second round today. And the world No.111 added: “It’s been a tough start to the season for me, I haven’t really had anywhere to practice.

“I need the ranking points from this event and hopefully I can have a good run. I haven’t really had anywhere proper to practice as a base. But I’ve only really got myself settled now at Parklands Country Club in