LONDON:
Reigning champion Neil Robertson started the defence of his Masters title by winning the last three frames to beat China’s Ding Junhui 6-5 in a tense first round clash at London’s Alexandra Palace. The Australian appeared to be heading for an early exit as Ding established a 5-3 lead on Sunday after several sizeable breaks in the invitational event’s opening match. But contributions of 100, 62 and a clinching 90 in the final frame saw Robertson complete a victory which he celebrated with a shout of ‘You beauty’ as the decisive red dropped into the pocket. “I am in a fortunate position to be able to try and defend my title,” said Robertson. “I’m not having an easy run in terms of opponents as he played fantastically well. If I was told I could play like that for the rest of the tournament I would be happy.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2013.