Snooker: Masters champ Robertson downs Ding
The Australian appeared to be heading for an early exit as Ding established a 5-3 lead.
LONDON:
Reigning champion Neil Robertson started the defence of his Masters title by winning the last three frames to beat China’s Ding Junhui 6-5 in a tense first round clash at London’s Alexandra Palace. The Australian appeared to be heading for an early exit as Ding established a 5-3 lead on Sunday after several sizeable breaks in the invitational event’s opening match. But contributions of 100, 62 and a clinching 90 in the final frame saw Robertson complete a victory which he celebrated with a shout of ‘You beauty’ as the decisive red dropped into the pocket. “I am in a fortunate position to be able to try and defend my title,” said Robertson. “I’m not having an easy run in terms of opponents as he played fantastically well. If I was told I could play like that for the rest of the tournament I would be happy.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2013.
Reigning champion Neil Robertson started the defence of his Masters title by winning the last three frames to beat China’s Ding Junhui 6-5 in a tense first round clash at London’s Alexandra Palace. The Australian appeared to be heading for an early exit as Ding established a 5-3 lead on Sunday after several sizeable breaks in the invitational event’s opening match. But contributions of 100, 62 and a clinching 90 in the final frame saw Robertson complete a victory which he celebrated with a shout of ‘You beauty’ as the decisive red dropped into the pocket. “I am in a fortunate position to be able to try and defend my title,” said Robertson. “I’m not having an easy run in terms of opponents as he played fantastically well. If I was told I could play like that for the rest of the tournament I would be happy.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2013.