Robertson moves step closer to joining the greats
A PLACE among the greats is up for grabs for Neil Robertson as t he Australian bids f or his third Betway UK Championship title.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Ding Junhui are the only players to win the Triple Crown event on three occasions, with Robertson’s hat-trick ambitions resting on today’s bestof-19 clash in Milton Keynes.
The Thunder from Down Under has already won the
Triple Crown – adding Masters and World Championship titles to his UK success – but he is not content with that.
“Winning for a third time would be unbelievable, not many people have done that,” he said. “Fans of different players will always argue about who’s better, and should I win then maybe it settles a couple of arguments.
“I’ve just got to go out and enjoy it and not let myself down, playing the game on my terms.
“There are fewer players who have won the UK Championships than have won all three major events, which is pretty incredible. I’d join real great company there and I’d be really motivated to do so.
“This is my third final, hopefully it’s third time lucky. I’m really pleased with how I’m playing at the moment and hopefully I can give a good account of myself in the final.”
Robertson reached the final by overcoming Zhou Yuelong 6-2 behind closed doors, and will play Judd Trump after he beat Lu Ning 6-3 in the second semi-final last night.
Breaks of 125, 118 and 104 helped Robertson, the fourth seed, into an early lead, and while Zhou fought back with a 141, Robertson scored 89 to win with three frames to spare.
Now his focus is on winning the trophy in style.
“I’m at my best level, but I don’t want to put a ceiling on it. This year, I’ve improved as a player again, and you have to. There are too many top players in the game. You had the top four in tennis, but in snooker you can add a couple more to that which makes it difficult to win titles.
“It gives you a reason to get up and make sure you’re putting in the hours on the table. My performances this week have come as a consequence of that.”