Fu beats Robertson in Crucible epic
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail China.org.cn, April 25, 2017
 |
Marco Fu won a gripping match 13-11 against Neil Robertson in the last 16 of the Betfred World Championship, to earn a shot at title-holder Mark Selby.
Hong Kong's Fu came from 10-8 and 11-10 down to win five of the last six frames, sealing victory on the final black of a dramatic 24th frame. He now meets Selby over 25 frames in the quarter-finals on Tuesday and Wednesday, in a repeat of last year's semi-final which world number one Selby won 17-15.
Fu has had one of the best seasons of his career, winning the Scottish Open in December as well as reaching the final of the Players Championship and three other semi-finals. He has battled through the first two rounds at the Crucible – beating Luca Brecel 10-9 before another fierce clash with Robertson – and must now summon the strength to take on snooker's toughest competitor.
Australia's Robertson won the first two frames tonight to go 10-8 ahead before eighth seed Fu hit back with breaks of 78 and 115 for 10-10. A scrappy 21st frame came down to the final black and Fu missed a thin cut to a baulk corner, allowing his opponent to pot it and regain the lead. Robertson let out a howl of delight and a fist pump at what he felt to be a crucial moment.
But 39-year-old Fu dominated the next frame then made a 69 to go 12-11 ahead. He looked to be sailing to victory in the 24th until he got a kick on a red at 57-0. Robertson, the 2010 champion, replied with 35 and later laid a snooker on the green which earned him a chance to clear. But he missed a tough final black to a baulk corner, and Fu – using the long rest – held his nerve to roll the black home.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)