LEICESTER, England — Neil Robertson produced a vintage display of heavy scoring and tactical grit to overcome John Higgins 6-4 in a high-quality quarter-final clash at the Champion of Champions, setting up a tantalising semi-final showdown with Mark Selby.
The Australian left-hander, a former champion in this event, weathered a fierce challenge from the four-time World Champion in a match that ebbed and flowed at the Morningside Arena. Robertson ultimately sealed the victory with a magnificent century break, underlining his return to form after a period of inconsistent results.
A Clash of Titans from the Off
The match began at a blistering pace, signalling that both legends were near the top of their game. Robertson drew first blood with a break of 83, but Higgins responded immediately, showcasing his own formidable break-building prowess with a run of 127 to level the contest. The standard was set.
Robertson edged ahead again, but Higgins was relentless, compiling a superb 135 clearance to make it 2-2 at the mid-session interval. The match was living up to its billing as a clash between two of the sport's most successful and aesthetically pleasing players of the modern era.
Speaking after the match, Robertson acknowledged the intensity of the battle, stating, "It was a really high-standard match. To make a century to win against John Higgins in a big tournament, it doesn't get much better than that."
Robertson Turns the Screw After Interval
The period following the interval often proves pivotal, and so it was here. Robertson emerged with renewed focus, winning two tightly contested frames to establish a crucial 4-2 lead. While the breaks weren't as large, his tactical play and safety exchanges were impeccable, putting Higgins under sustained pressure.
Higgins, a master of matchplay, demonstrated his trademark resilience by taking the next two frames, including a gutsy 65, to pull the match back to 4-4. The momentum had swung, and it seemed the Scot might complete a trademark comeback. The match was poised on a knife-edge.
Robertson, however, refused to buckle. He stopped Higgins's momentum in its tracks with a decisive break of 85 in the ninth frame to move one away from victory at 5-4. The key moments that defined the match included:
- The Early Century Exchange: The high breaks from both players in the first four frames set a formidable standard.
- Post-Interval Surge: Robertson's ability to win two scrappy frames was critical in building his lead.
- Higgins's Fightback: The Scot's two-frame response from 4-2 down showcased his legendary competitive spirit.
- The Closing Century: Robertson's final-frame 104 was a statement of intent and a flawless finish.
With the winning line in sight, Robertson was clinical. He didn't give the tenacious Higgins a single opportunity in the tenth frame, crafting a magnificent tournament-high break of 104 to seal a 6-4 victory and book his place in the final four.
A Semi-Final with Selby Awaits
The victory sets up a blockbuster semi-final against local hero Mark Selby, who earlier defeated Robert Milkins 6-3. The Robertson-Selby rivalry is one of the most compelling in snooker, pitting Robertson's explosive, attacking style against Selby's granite-like tactical mastery and formidable break-building under pressure.
Robertson is well aware of the challenge that awaits. He noted, "It's going to be a really tough game. Mark is obviously from Leicester, so he'll have the crowd behind him. I'll have to play like I did in the last frame, if not better."
Tactical Battle and Crowd Dynamics
The semi-final promises to be a fascinating tactical duel. Selby, known as the "Jester from Leicester," is a four-time World Champion renowned for his ability to grind out results and his exceptional safety play. Robertson will need to match Selby's tactical discipline while also capitalising on his own superior long-potting to create scoring chances.
The crowd factor will also play a significant role. Playing in his hometown, Selby will enjoy vociferous support. Robertson, a popular figure on the tour, will need to use his experience to silence the home crowd by producing his best snooker, much as he did with his match-closing century against Higgins.
For Robertson, this victory and the upcoming challenge represent a significant opportunity. After a relative trophy drought by his own high standards, a deep run in a prestigious event like the Champion of Champions could be the catalyst for a strong season. Beating a player of Higgins's calibre in such a manner provides a massive confidence boost.
He will now turn his attention to finding a way past the formidable Selby, a task few relish. The Australian concluded, "I'm really looking forward to it. These are the matches you want to be involved in, against the very best players in the world."
The other semi-final will see Judd Trump face the winner of the quarter-final between Mark Allen and Chris Wakelin, ensuring a star-studded conclusion to the tournament at the Morningside Arena in Leicester.
