Ousted Dott rages at TV table snub in home event

Graeme Dott was left fuming in defeat, claiming being left off the TV table had affected his performance at the Dafabet Scottish Open.

The world No 28, born in Larkhall and a previous world champion in 2006, was beaten 4-2 by England’s Rory Mcleod on day one of the competition at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena.

Dott never looked comfortable in the match and went 3-1 down before threatening a comeback, eventually succumbing before complaining about not getting the chance to play on a TV table.

“I was rubbish, I played rubbish from the start and I deserved to lose,” said Dott.

“I don’t think I was in a great frame of mind before the game started, I think I should be on a TV table, I think it’s ridiculous and it’s a lack of respect that I’m playing in Glasgow and I’m not playing on a TV table.

“I think it’s abysmal and completely and utterly a lack of respect.

“When people play in Wales the Welsh lads get on TV, in Ireland the Irish lads get on TV. I’m a world champion and I’m playing on an outside table in my own city. I think it’s disgusting.

“I can accept not being on a TV table when there’s higher-ranked players, that’s fine, but when you’re in your own city that should override it.”

Earlier in the day world No5johnhigginsdidmake it through to second round after he put on an excellent display to progress past Jack Lisowski 4-1.

The Wizard of Wishaw claimed it was the “beginning of the end” after losing to Mark King at the Betway UK Championship last week, but barely put a foot wrong in Glasgow.

Wishaw’s Chris Totten is also into the second round after a 4-1 win over Welshman Sam Baird. Fellow Scots Stephen Maguire and Scott Donaldson were also in action later on Monday night. l Watch the Scottish Open live on Eurosport, Eurosport Player and Quest with Andy Goldstein and analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds