Scottish Open snooker 2020 - Stephen Maguire fed up of Covid-19 restrictions after first-round exit

ByEurosport

Updated 08/12/2020 at 09:33 GMT

Snooker has had to drastically change its 2020 calendar as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The entirety of World Snooker Tour's 2020-21 schedule so far has been played out in a Covid-secure bubble in Milton Keynes. For Maguire, he feels the conditions are too uncomfortable for him to play his best snooker and is looking forward to the year being over.

Stephen Maguire has expressed his frustration at playing snooker in a Covid-secure bubble following his surprise Scottish Open first-round exit to Zak Surety, ranked 119 in the world, on Monday.

The 39-year-old lost 4-1 at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, which was also the venue for the UK Championship last week, where Maguire reached the last-32.

Players have had to stay at the on-site hotel or travel directly from home.

Scottish Open

'I'm too old for his antics' – How Selby and O'Sullivan became best of enemies

14/12/2020 at 23:30

The world number eight, who showed his annoyance by smashing into the pack from the break-off in the fourth frame, admits the unusual conditions have been overwhelming.

• Scottish Open 2020: Latest draw, schedule and results
• Zhou records second career 147, Selby through, Covid tests wreak havoc at Scottish Open

"I've had enough of the hotel," the Scot said after his defeat.

It's just too much for me, it's too much for me to be away and locked in a room. It takes a strong mind to stay in your room all the time and I've obviously not got that.

"He played too good, far too good. I didn't get going and he deserved his win. He put me under pressure and I couldn't get in amongst the balls. Fair play, I hope he does well in the tournament."

Maguire smashes into pack from break-off

He added: "I've just had enough, just had enough, enjoy Christmas, forget about it. It's not a big deal. Come back refreshed next year.

"I shouldn't have come down. I knew I shouldn't have come down. I wasn't ready to come down. I got what I deserved there.

"It makes it easy now because I miss the tournament and the cue can go away and I can regroup and see how we get on next year."

Maguire will no longer take part in the World Grand Prix next week.

Scottish Open

O’Sullivan's referee spat, 'watergate' tiff and outrageous fluke - Story of the Scottish Open

14/12/2020 at 08:28

Scottish Open

White: If O’Sullivan wants to stop missing easy balls, he has to practise!

14/12/2020 at 08:47

Scottish Open

O’Sullivan reveals why he played on for snookers with just black left

14/12/2020 at 08:25