Snooker news - Neil Robertson beaten as John Higgins hits maximum in Scottish Open second round

ByEurosport

Updated 12/12/2018 at 20:23 GMT

Neil Robertson has apologised for his outburst after labelling Ross Muir a "disgrace" following his Scottish Open second-round exit in Glasgow.

Neil Robertson

Image credit: Getty Images

Robertson was defeated 4-2 at the Emirates Arena by the world No 94, but it was his post-match comments that will overshadow a far-from classic contest.

Only once did home favourite Muir achieve a half century break in the fifth frame (98) to nudge in front having trailed to the world number nine 2-1 after the opening three frames.

More loose shots from Robertson left the door open for the upset to be completed in the sixth, and Muir held his nerve to dump out the former world champion.

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Robertson was angered by the time his opponent took over shots. Speaking afterwards, he said: "The referee should've stepped in and told Ross Muir to hurry up.

"A stronger referee would've taken action. It was a disgrace."

Prior to Robertson's outburst, Muir spoke to Eurosport, and revealed his struggles to play under the spotlights due to an ongoing eye condition, but he was happy to overcome a familiar foe.

Muir said: "I've played him quite a few times recently. Things just went my way. I don't think either of us were near our best. I think both of us were at a pretty shocking standard, to be fair.

"I've got an issue with my right eye, the spotlights are blurring my vision in the right eye. It's really deteriorating to be honest. I've tried to see an optician about it but it's definitely got worst.

"It was getting reasonably bad, but I played on. It just makes it that much more difficult."

Robertson was oblivious to Muir's condition prior to his initial comments in his press conference, but took to social media later to issue an apology to his opponent.

He wrote on Twitter: "I would like to apologies to Ross. I let myself down in the interview which was seconds after the match.

"Incredibly disappointed with the conditions today and as defending champion it only made it more frustrating. I was unaware of his health problems and hope he gets better."

Elsewhere, John Higgins produced a ninth career maximum to defeat Gerard Greene 4-0 to book his place in round two.

Higgins overcame a broken rib to achieve the feat in the third frame, just a week after the snooker legend admitted he was considering retirement.

The Wizard of Wishaw delighted his home fans with his breaks of 83 and 147 to establish a 3-0 lead and despite Greene's revival in the fourth, Higgins sealed the whitewash and will face Yan Bingtao in the third round.

Meanwhile, Ding Junhui breezed into the next round after a 4-1 win over Robert Milkins, while Robbie Williams was beaten 4-2 by Joe Perry.

Two-time world championship runner-up Ali Carter withstood a valiant effort from Cypriot Michael Georgiou as he clinched a 4-2 victory only after the first four frames were shared.