Robertson times form to perfection

Neil Robertson wasted little time blowing away Mark Williams to book his place in the quarter-finals of the SAGA Insurance Masters today.

However, following his famous win, the Australian revealed his timing before the match had been far from ideal.

The 24-year-old from Melbourne was forced to sprint to the venue from his nearby hotel because he was running late, a setback which only allowed him to practice for eight minutes.

However, despite this oversight, this season’s Royal London Watches Grand Prix winner was just too good for two-time Masters champion Williams, thrashing him 6-0 at the Wembley Arena.

It was the first time the Welshman, who won the crown in 1998 and 2003, had ever been whitewashed at the event.

Robertson pocketed three century breaks and three more half centuries to earn a last-eight showdown with either defending champion John Higgins or fellow Scot Stephen Maguire.

Runs of 108, 101 and 116 were the highlight of the ambitious left-hander’s impressive victory, with breaks of 86, 58 and 89 also highlights.

“That was probably the best I’ve ever played,” said a clearly delighted Robertson, the provisional world number 11.

“I played so well, but my preparation for the match was so bad. At 10.45, I was running to the venue in my (playing) shoes.

“I was up at 9.20, which is early for me, but I left a few things behind (in Cambridge) and had to wait for my friends to bring them to me. I only got eight minutes practice in because I was late.”

Robertson outscored his fellow left-hander 558-63 overall.

And no wonder the Cambridge-based potter was happy with his triumph.

“I’m so happy with my life right now,” he added. “I was just really pleased with the way I played.

“I didn’t miss any easy balls, my long-potting was great and my safety was good.

“I’m also starting to score a lot heavier now – and that’s been a weakness of mine in the past. I’ve not been able to put frames away in one visit.

“But that’s something I’ve been really working on. The break-building aspect of my game has definitely improved.”