Robertson back with a bang at Kilkenny Masters

Neil Robertson made a winning return to the table today with victory in his opening match at the Kilkenny Irish Masters.

Last month’s Welsh Open champion eased to a 4-1 win over Stephen Lee at this year’s tournament at the Ormonde Hotel.

In his first match since pocketing at the Newport Centre in February, the Aussie ace showed no signs that his fine form has disappeared.

He did lose the opening frame of his first best-of-seven-frame group match against Trowbridge potter Lee but soon found his feet to reel off the four frames he needed for victory.

From 57-0 behind in the second frame, the provisional world number seven sunk a break of 73 to level the match and then added a run of 51 to put himself a step closer to qualifying for this year’s quarter-finals.

Victory in his second and final group match against Dubliner Fergal O’Brien later tonight would guarantee a showdown with either one of the four seeded players – Ronnie O’Sullivan, Ken Doherty, Stephen Hendry or world champion Graeme Dott.

“The tournament might only be three days long, but I’m treating it as a mini-ranking event tournament,” said Robertson, who also won the Royal London Watches Grand Prix in Aberdeen earlier this season.

“I took a couple of days off after I won the Welsh Open, but I’ve come to this tournament looking to do well.

“I’m looking to get as much practice as I can before the China Open at the end of the month and before the World Championship. I played well, but Stephen made it easier for me than I expected.”

Robertson has just returned from a five-day trip to Germany where he was involved in three exhibitions.

But despite spending 18 hours in bed yesterday because of jet-lag and tiredness from his hectic schedule, the ’Melbourne Machine’ is looking for more success in Ireland.

“I slept for ages yesterday, but I’ve switched back into serious tournament mode,” added Robertson.

“It was great playing in Germany, the crowds were fantastic and we got a great reaction out there. And of course it’s nice to be here in Ireland. All the big names are here, so it’s going to be tough, but I fancy doing well.”

In other group matches Dubliners Michael Judge, O’Brien and Joe Delaney triumphed. Judge edged Northern Ireland’s Gerard Greene while O’Brien ended Lee’s interest in this year’s event, a 4-2 winner in their clash. Delaney was a 4-2 winner over former World Championship runner-up Matthew Stevens.

Barry Hawkins upset local favourite David Morris. Requiring three snookers with the score deadlocked at 3-3, the Beckenham cueman battled back from 56-0 down to snatch a 4-3 win. It was his first win since he won a match at the Grand Prix over four months ago.