Snooker: Robertson in semis despite cue problem

Neil Robertson overcame a fightback from Mark Williams and a problem with his cue tip to book his place in the BGC Masters semi-finals at Alexandra Palace.

The Australian claimed a 6-4 win to set up a last-four meeting with UK champion Judd Trump.

Williams battled back from 4-1 to 4-3 down, but a break of 119 to go 5-3 in front ended the Welshman’s run as Robertson edged home. The 2010 world champion took the first and third frames on the black, either side of a 78 break from Williams, to move into a 2-1 lead, and he then racked up a 95 to go further clear.

Williams narrowed the deficit, thanks partly to a 68 in frame seven, but Robertson’s emphatic century ended the fightback.

The Melbourne player, though, admitted he struggled with his tip during the match and would have to get it replaced before his semi-final against Trump. “I have to change my tip,” he added. “You are meant to play in a few tips and have one ready, but I haven’t done it. Hopefully I can play it in tomorrow. A brand new tip is probably a player’s worst nightmare.”

Trump beat Ronnie O’Sullivan 6-2 in the quarter-finals and beat Robertson 9-7 in the semi-finals of the UK Championship last month. Asked how he sees his next match-up with Trump, Robertson said: “If I get in the balls I’ll play quickly. He’s playing really well, but players are getting opportunities against him. He’s a great front-runner so the start of the match is key.”