Neil Robertson Triumphs in Champion of Champions Thriller

The Australian is one more win away from a third career victory in the prestigious tournament.

Neil Robertson prevailed in a magnificent battle with Mark Selby to reach the Champion of Champions final on Friday in Milton Keynes.

After a barrage of power scoring from both competitors, the pair couldn’t be separated and a deciding frame was required to settle the contest.

There was never more than a frame’s difference between them throughout a gripping affair that boasted six century breaks – three compiled apiece.

In fact, all but one of the eleven frames featured a break of at least 50 as the former world champions exchanged heavyweight blows.

Selby, winner of the season-opening European Masters, led four times during the first half of the affair, tallying runs of 131 and 137 to move 4-3 in front of the defending champion.

In the eighth frame, Robertson restored parity for a fourth time with a trademark total clearance of 141 – the highest break of the event so far.

The 38 year-old added a 121 in the following frame to edge in front for the first time, but Selby fought back in typical fashion with a second 137 to force the shoot-out finale.

After six tons in seven frames between them, the conclusion was somewhat more cautious, but with the aid of a couple of bites at the cherry Robertson got in to contribute a pivotal 54 and advance to Sunday’s title decider.

It was a terrific showdown between two of the game’s all-time greats, and it once again underlined the Champion of Champions’ status of being one of the best events on the calendar.

Year in, year out the tournament provides memorable matches to file in the bank of classic encounters, and even though there has been no crowd this week, the 2020 edition has been no different.

🗣️ @nr147 reflects on quite simply one of the best games of snooker we’ve ever seen at the @888sport #ChampOfChamps – where does that one sit for you? pic.twitter.com/zUVQBf2pZL

— Champion Of Champions (@ChampOfChamps) November 6, 2020

Another exciting fixture is to come on Saturday when the second semi-final takes place between world number one Judd Trump and Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen.

A victory for either will set up a repeat of a former Champion of Champions final with Neil Robertson, who beat Allen for his maiden glory in 2015 and Trump for a repeat success twelve months ago.

Live coverage of the Champion of Champions continues on ITV4 and various international broadcasters.

Click here to view the draw – Scheduled times in CET. (External Site)

Featured photo credit: @ChampOfChamps