Neil Robertson brushed Zak Surety aside 10-2 to reach the final round of Cazoo World Championship qualifying at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.
The Australian has fallen down 24th position in the world rankings this season, meaning he is having to qualify for the World Championship for the first time since 2006. Robertson is now one win away from reaching the Crucible for a 20th consecutive year.
Despite the enormity of a player of Robertson’s calibre having to qualify, he showed complete reverence to the situation he found himself in today, putting on a ruthless display to ease over the line.
Robertson compiled runs of 74, 60, 103, 76, 134, 90 and 117 on his way to victory. He now faces Jamie Jones in the final round, after the Welshman defeated Alfie Burden 10-5. Despite the loss, Surety clings on to his position on tour via the one year list.
“I think the qualifiers really are to be respected. I didn’t come here thinking I would blitz the two games and qualify. Everyone wants to get to the Crucible. Stephen Maguire did an interview a few days ago saying how much it hurt him not qualifying last year. I don’t want to miss out either."
Neil Robertson
2010 World Champion
Robertson added: “It doesn’t feel like qualifiers. Last time I had to qualify in Prestatyn in 2006, we had these blue cubicle walls blocking off everything. You couldn’t see any other table and you had a hand full of people watching. This is great and there are good crowds. It doesn’t feel any different to being at a venue.
“I am back to my best. Whether or not that is any good who knows. I need to try and find ways to improve and play in a way that puts my opponents in trouble more often. When I play my best I wipe the floor with most players but you don’t play your best in an isolated situation that often.”
Hossein Vafaei earned a Judgement Day berth for the third consecutive year with a 10-4 defeat of Marco Fu.
Vafaei made century breaks of 121 and 116 on his way to victory. He now faces Jiang Jun in the final round of qualifying. After today’s win he admitted to being emotional at the kind words from Fu at the conclusion of their game.
Vafaei said: “He gave me some advice and I nearly cried. I love Marco. He is in my heart and he is one of my heroes. I have to say in front of everyone, thank you for the advice you gave me. I love you so much.
“It is a massive day for everyone (the final round). Everyone wants to qualify but I have been passing that now. It isn’t as big for me. I just want to stay in the tournament for as long as I can. I want to produce a good game. I like to enjoy my snooker. If I perform like that then everyone is going to be easy!”
Noppon Saengkham fired in a stunning 147 during his 10-5 defeat of Andy Hicks. The break puts Thai number one Saengkham in line for a £25,000 payout.
Next up for Saengkham is Welshman Jackson Page, who scored a 10-5 win against 2006 World Champion Graeme Dott.