Professional snooker star Neil Robertson has been forced to withdraw from the prestigious Scottish Open tournament, citing a hip injury. This decision came just days after the athlete shared a revealing video from Tibet, where he was seen using an oxygen cylinder to cope with the challenging high-altitude conditions.
From Oxygen Cylinders to Tournament Withdrawal
The sequence of events began when Robertson posted a video on social media from his hotel room in Lhasa, Tibet. In the clip, he was connected to an oxygen canister, a common provision in the region which sits about 3,600 meters above sea level. Robertson explained that the thin air made daily activities difficult, and he was using supplemental oxygen to help his body acclimatise.
Merely days after sharing this glimpse of his high-altitude struggle, Robertson made the tough call to pull out of the Scottish Open. His withdrawal was confirmed just about four hours before the tournament's scheduled start. The official reason given was an injury—specifically, a strain in his hip bone—which necessitated rest and recovery over competition.
Warnings from Peers and the Reality of Lhasa
In his communications, Robertson admitted he had received numerous warnings from fellow players about the harsh conditions in Lhasa. He mentioned that seasoned professionals like Mark Williams had cautioned him, but he initially took their comments lightly, almost as a joke. Upon arrival, however, he quickly realised the seriousness of their advice and the genuine difficulty of functioning at such a high elevation.
Despite these physical challenges and his recent injury, Robertson's commitment to his exhibition schedule remains firm. He is still slated to participate in an exhibition match in Tibet. This non-competitive event will feature other snooker talents including Kyren Wilson, Mark Williams, and Chinese players Wu Yize and Xiao Guodong.
Focus on Recovery and Future Commitments
Robertson has assured his fans that his absence from the Scottish Open is solely due to the hip injury and not any illness related to the altitude. His current focus appears to be a balanced approach: supporting his recovery while honouring his exhibition commitments. The athlete aims to return to full competitive form for the remainder of the snooker season.
The exhibition in Tibet presents a unique challenge, and Robertson has stated he is struggling with the altitude. He has indicated he will not travel to areas even higher than Lhasa for the event. This incident highlights the physical demands athletes face even outside the competitive arena, as they navigate different environments and recovery from unexpected injuries.
