Robertson on for very dry January
PROUD Neil
Robertson produced a stirring Masters comeback to beat Mark Williams on the final black and reach today’s showpiece Masters final.
But killjoy Ally
Pally authorities have poured cold water on Robertson’s planned lake dive title celebrations due to health and safety red tape.
Aussie ace Robertson dug deep from 5-3 down to force a decider.
And he needed two snookers as he overhauled a 67-26 final-frame deficit to pinch an entertaining 6-5 win in front of a red-hot crowd.
An Alexandra
Palace statement read: “Swimming or jumping into our boating pond is not allowed for snooker players or anyone else!
“Good luck to Neil in the tournament and no doubt if he wins the Masters he can find another way to celebrate!”
Former world champion Robertson hit breaks of 102, 52, 83, 95 and 119 to seal a fine comeback win.
Two-time Masters champion Williams, who missed a black to win the decider, made runs of 59, 71, 60, 60, 91 and 67 as he slipped to a painful loss.
And world No.4 Robertson is desperate to end a decade of Masters misery since winning the coveted title in 2012.
Relieved Robertson said: “I’m really proud to have come through that. I haven’t experienced much like it before.
“It has to be right up there in terms of comebacks in my career. To win a decider needing two snookers against one of the best tacticians of all time I’m delighted.
“The clearance there under pressure was ridiculous. The green is one of the bravest shots I’ve ever taken on.
“There was a lot of relief at the end. I didn’t have much energy left.”
Gutted Williams (below), who would have become the oldest Masters finalist since Ray Reardon in 1983, said: “I twitched the black. If I pot that he doesn’t come backst.
“Then it’s 20 minutes of pain with the snookers.”
Meanwhile, world champion Mark Selby has vowed to get help for his mental health.
The world No.1, who has had bouts of depression since his father tragically passed away when he was 16, tweeted: “Mentally not in a good place at the moment, had a relapse and trying to bottle it up and put a brave face on is not the way.
“I promise I will get help and become a better person.”