‘Toughest thing I’ve had to deal with’, says snooker legend after surprise defeat in front of rowdy Chinese crowd
NEIL ROBERSTON complained about the “toughest” crowd he has ever experienced after crashing out of the World Open.
The Australian was the favourite as he came up against Ding Junhui in the semi-final.
But he experienced a hostile crowd in Yushan, China who favoured their countryman.
The match went down to a tense deciding frame after Ding fought back to 4-4, and he sealed the final frame after Robertson missed an easy red after building a break of 36.
Robertson had won the previous two frames, scoring a century break of 124 to set up a chance at victory.
But he admitted after the match that the crowd affected his performance, describing it as “off putting”.
He wrote on X: “I’ll give you a summary so it doesn’t get blown out of proportion. As off putting as it was and probably the toughest thing I’ve had to deal with, the ref was doing his best and I was able to block it out the last two frames and was unlucky to be an inch out winning the match on a few occasions from going into the pack or playing a cannon.
“The crowd get excited and they have been great with me whenever I come to China just at times a little too excited.
“Tough spot for Ding to be in but it was a great match and we wouldn’t be going out to China as much as we do if it wasn’t for him. I would rather that than no crowd 100 per cent.”
Ding progressed to the final where he was beaten 10-4 by Judd Trump.
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The world number two has now won five ranking titles this season and has surpassed £1million in prize money.
Trump caught the eye throughout the tournament, but had some luck along the way as he potted two flukes back-to-back.