Neil Robertson beat Mark Williams 5-3 in a sensational BetVictor English Open quarter-final which featured a maximum, four other centuries and three more breaks over 60.
One of the highest quality matches of 2022 featured a break of at least 67 in every frame. Williams scaled the highest peak with a fabulous 147 in frame four, but Robertson was near-flawless throughout as he progressed to a semi-final meeting with Mark Selby or Ali Carter at 1pm on Saturday.
Australia’s Robertson is looking to win this title for a second consecutive year, having beaten John Higgins in last year’s final. Player of the Year in 2021/22, winning four titles, the 40-year-old is seeking his first silverware of the current campaign. Robertson is through to the 49th ranking event semi-final of his career and looks at the top of his game having made six centuries and 14 more breaks over 50 in his five matches so far this week in Brentwood.
Runs of 73, 97 and 100 gave the world number four a 3-0 lead today before Williams hit back with a maximum in frame four. After the interval, there was no dip in the standard as Robertson made a 102 to lead 4-1, before Williams compiled breaks of 67 and 123 to close to 4-3. Inevitably it finished with another century as Robertson sailed past the winning line with a 127.
“There were hardly any unforced errors, both of us were really clinical,” said 23-time ranking event winner Robertson. “I guess the only difference was that I had him in a bit more trouble with my safety to force the errors. It was a brilliant match and capped off by Mark’s 147. It was an amazing break, nearly perfect all the way.
“This will be my third semi-final in the Home Nations this season, and in the other two I have not given enough care to playing containing safeties, I have made it too easy for my opponent. Today my safety was a lot better. When I played Joe O’Connor in Scotland, I gave him five or six easy starters. He stood up to the pressure really well, but he should never have had those chances. I know what the recipe is now, for the rest of the season. If I can give safety that extra attention and care, to go along with the long potting and heavy scoring, hopefully I’ll see similar success to last season.”
This post appeared first on World Snooker.
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