Neil Robertson fired back at snooker legend Stephen Hendry following his dramatic Masters victory over John Higgins at Alexandra Palace.
The Australian, who had been criticised by Hendry for playing “no risk snooker” on the seven-time world champion’s YouTube channel, made his feelings clear after the match.
“Yeah I don’t think Stephen Hendry is going to give me too much stick about that one,” Robertson quipped, drawing laughter from the 2,000-strong crowd.
Robertson staged a remarkable comeback from 5-1 down to defeat John Higgins in a four-hour epic at the Masters.
Neil Robertson hit back at Stephen Hendry
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The ‘Thunder from Down Under’ was only competing after Ronnie O’Sullivan’s withdrawal just 48 hours before the scheduled match.
“It’s unbelievable,” Robertson said. “I’m so happy that I could take my chance with Ronnie dropping out and give the crowd something to cheer about.”
The victory secured Robertson’s place in the quarter-finals, a remarkable turnaround for a player who was originally set to watch the tournament on television.
Higgins had initially dominated the match, racing to a commanding 5-1 lead despite recent equipment troubles.
The Wizard of Wishaw’s preparation for the tournament had been hampered when his cue was destroyed by a freak rainstorm while travelling home from Paris.
John Higgins held a 5-1 lead at one stage
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Despite this setback, Higgins showed impressive early form before Robertson mounted his comeback in front of an energised Alexandra Palace crowd.
Former world champion Steve Davis praised Robertson’s resilience in the match.
“You never know what is going to happen, and the Masters throws up these astonishing matches,” Davis said.
“It’s the way Neil Robertson dug himself out of the hole that I’m most impressed about.”
Davis highlighted Robertson’s tactical adjustment during the contest. “He’s made a conscious decision to up his speed and his game and he’s so dangerous.”
Robertson reflected positively on his season’s trajectory following the victory.
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“I had time to reflect on the first-half of the season. It’s been a really good season so far, but target for the second-half of the season is to bring my practice game,” Robertson said.
The Australian believes fans haven’t yet seen his full potential. “I don’t think many people have seen what I can do, that match there shows what I can actually do again.”
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