Robertson pockets date in China

The Bexhill talent is on his way to China next month after recording a hat-trick of victories, one of which was against a former World Champion, in the qualifiers.

It’s the second time that Robertson has reached the venue stage of a ranking tournament having previously made it through to the World Championship at The Crucible last season.

The world no.53 began with a 5-2 victory over 75th-ranked Andrew Norman in the second round of the qualifiers at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield.

Robertson then won the final two frames to edge out 1997 World Champion, Ken Doherty, 5-4 and booked his place in the Far East by sinking 32nd-ranked Rory McLeod 5-3.

As one of the eight lowest ranked qualifiers, Robertson is likely to play in the wildcard round at the start of an event which will take place on the beautiful Hainan Island from February 27-March 4.

St Leonards-based world no.17 Mark Davis suffered a surprise 5-4 loss in the final round against 81st-ranked Sam Baird despite leading 2-0, 3-1 and 4-3 and compiling a break of 137 in frame four.

Davis had beaten six of the world’s top 20 ranked players, including UK Champion Judd Trump and former World Champion Mark Williams, in groups one and two of the Championship League during the preceding week.

See tomorrow’s Hastings and Bexhill Observers for the full articles.