Whirlwind blown out

Jimmy White crashed out of the Northern Ireland Trophy at the first hurdle today, beaten by emerging Australian player Neil Robertson.

The Whirlwind was gifted a bye to second the round at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast because of his world-ranking.

But fellow left-hander Robertson was just too good and despite trailing 2-1, fought back to win three frames on the bounce and the match.

The Melbourne potter, who now lives in Cambridgeshire, will now play world champion Shaun Murphy in the quarter-finals tomorrow, with the match due to start at 1pm.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Shaun, it should be a great match,” said Robertson, who is looking to continue his progress on the professional tour this term.

“I played him in the UK Championship qualifiers last season and I won 9-8. It was a great match then, so I’m sure he’s looking forward to playing me.”

Robertson lost the opening frame as White rattled in a run of 57, before the Australian hit back to level courtesy of a 52 break.

White edged ahead again, winning the third frame by a 52-41 scoreline, a run of 24 enough to secure a slender advantage.

However, Robertson moved up a gear and took the next with runs of 45 and 26, knocked in a 39 break to go 3-2 in front, the first time he led in the match.

Victory came when Robertson knocked in a break of 53 to book his place in the last eight.

Meanwhile, World Championship finalist Matthew Stevens powered his way through to the quarter-final stages thanks to victory over former world champion Ken Doherty.

Welshman Stevens triumphed 4-1 and will now meet either rising star Stephen Maguire or fellow countryman Mark Williams in the next phase.

Stevens won the opening frame against Dubliner Doherty, rattling in a 51 run in a frame which lasted over half an hour.

The right-hander doubled his advantage with another 51 break, before Doherty reduced his arrears with 53 rn.

A 40 break was enough for Stevens to take frame six and he wrapped up the match with a splendid 88 clearance to achieve victory.