Snooker Lockdown’s helped Milkins appreciate life on the circuit
ROBERT Milkins admits the restrictions of lockdown have made him realise how much he relished the globetrotting snooker circuit.
The Bristolian World No.53 booked his place in the second round of the Northern Ireland Open in Milton Keynes after breezing past China’s Fan Zhengyi 4-0.
The behind closed doors Marshall Arena is where all tournaments have been held since the snooker calendar resumed after lockdown, bar the prestigious World Championship – which Milkins did not qualify for – at the Crucible in the summer.
The ‘Milkman’ has no issue with Milton Keynes but admits he longs for the day when he can finally swap his Bedminster Down home, for Beijing once again.
“It would be nice going to York for the UK Championship just before Christmas as it’s a good atmosphere up there, and the other places we’re missing out on,” said Milkins, 44.
“Especially the Chinese events as well – I used to think ‘oh no, I’ve got to go to China again’ but do you know what? I’m really looking forward to going to places like that. But that’s probably going to be a long way away. Milton Keynes is fine though, to tell the truth.
“It’s fine and I’m just glad that World Snooker are keeping tournaments going – it’s brilliant the way they keep putting things on, so I can’t complain.
“I just try and get a bit of practice in and chill out in the room [away from the table]. People have got worse jobs to do than what we’ve got so it’s all quite easy and quite good. I played really well today. I’ve been playing really well for a bit of time now but keep getting drawn against the top 16 in the first round and am losing by the odd frame.”
Milkins opened up a 2-0 lead over his opponent before a fine century visit helped him wrap up a comfortable triumph. He ended the break on 104 but at one point looked set to achieve a coveted maximum 147 break. It wasn’t to be for Milkins, who went down 5-4 against four-time world champion John Higgins in German Masters qualifying last week, but he believes duking it out with the world’s top players is bolstering his chances.
“It’s been quite good that I’ve been playing on TV quite a lot,” he added. “It’s done me good and sharpened me up.”
Judd Trump’s defence of the Northern Ireland Open got off to a serene start, while Ronnie O’Sullivan also eased into the second round.
Trump is looking to win the title for a third successive year, though this time it will be in Milton Keynes, with the coronavirus pandemic meaning it is unable to be staged in Belfast. The world number one beat Gerard Greene 4-1 thanks to breaks of 105, 55 and 88 on Monday. Trump said on World Snooker: “I’m pretty happy with how I played. In a best of seven, if you go behind it is always tough. Losing the first frame you are always under a bit of pressure.
“I got back into the match quickly and potted a lot of good balls.”
“It is disappointing not to be in Belfast this year. Hopefully I can maintain my record, get a third in a row and take it back and defend it in Northern Ireland.”
He has beaten Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final for both of his previous victories and another meeting could be on the cards after O’Sullivan beat Jamie O’Neill 4-1.
The 2020 world champion made breaks of 60 and 57 before finishing the job with a table-clearing 125.
» Watch the Northern Ireland Open live on Eurosport, Eurosport app, and stream on discovery+