Robertson pipped in epic encounter

The Bexhill potter needed to win three matches to book his place at The Crucible for the second year running, but was pipped 10-9 in his opening encounter against David Gilbert yesterday (Tuesday).

World no.52 Robertson lost the first three frames of the morning session at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield before winning the next two.

Gilbert bagged the sixth frame to lead 4-2 and the next two were shared prior to Robertson claiming the last of the session to leave the match nicely poised going into the evening session with Gilbert 5-4 ahead.

The pair traded the first two frames of session two before Robertson came from behind to capture the 12th and went in front for the first time at 7-6 courtesy of a tremendous 113 break.

World no.68 Gilbert restored parity at 7-7 only for Robertson to finally win a 15th frame which ebbed and flowed to lead 8-7. Gilbert pulled away to land the 16th for 8-8 and then won the 17th fairly comfortably to go 9-8 up.

Robertson made a 59 to make it 9-9, but was frozen out in the decider as Gilbert surged in front with a 49 before scoring the remaining points he needed to win a match which finished at 11.20pm.

See Friday’s Bexhill Observer for the full article.