Positives in defeat for Robertson

Robertson won three best-of-19 matches to qualify for the main draw at The Crucible Theatre, but could not extend his run against world no.11 Marco Fu, going down 10-6.

The 28-year-old was only one frame behind following Saturday’s first session and a fluent century in the first frame of the second session on Sunday morning levelled things at 5-5.

However, the man from Hong Kong then stepped up a gear to reel off five of the next six frames, including a 73 break in the last, sealing his place in round two.

And although Robertson was left to rue missed opportunities, he is adamant that his future is bright.

“I didn’t really take my chances in the first session,” he explained. “It took me too long to settle down, but I came out on Sunday and felt comfortable from the start.

“Momentum was going with me when I made that century to go 5-5 and then I won a long frame to move 7-6 behind at the interval.

“But I lost a big frame to go 8-6 down and it was all downhill after that. I didn’t take my chances and you’ve got to take them at this level.

“They are all top 16 players in the first round once you qualify, so I can definitely take some positives from the game.

“It’s all experience for me and hopefully I will get back here again and hold it together a bit better next time.”

Robertson’s performance was a marked improvement on his only previous Crucible appearance when he lost 10-1 to Mark Selby back in 2011.

With his game clearly heading in the right direction, the world no.42 is convinced he can build on this display and avoid another four-year wait to return.

“Four years ago when I was here I was a lot more nervous, although the first three or four frames of this match I didn’t settle at all,” added Robertson.

“But generally, I felt a bit more comfortable this time. The big turning point was not going 7-7 after having two really nice chances though. If it had gone 7-7, then I probably would’ve been more comfortable than him because I’m the underdog.

“Hopefully next time I will feel better from the start and can settle right away. I’m confident there are many more Crucible memories in the future for me.”

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