Robertson Edges Past Craigie

Neil Robertson had to draw on all of his experience in a late night thriller against world number 89 Sam Craigie, to qualify for the International Championship.

The 2010 World Champion Robertson had looked set to miss out on a trip to China, with Craigie on the verge of victory. However, the Thunder from Down Under battled back to edge through.

The Australian did start the stronger of the pair, breaks of 69 and 56 helped him to take the opening two frames. The player from Newcastle Craigie then rallied and won three in a row to lead 3-2.

Contributions of 63, 42 and 43 moved Craigie into a 5-3 lead and a frame away from one of the biggest scalps of his career. However, with the time comfortably past midnight, it was Robertson who made the decisive move. He claimed all three remaining frames to go through a 6-5 winner.

Lee Walker secured a fantastic win over world number 16 Barry Hawkins to clinch his place in Daqing. Although, it was the Hawk that set the early pace, runs of 72, 47 and 43 helped him to open up a commanding 3-0 lead.

The Welshman slowly clawed his way back into the game. Winning four frames in a row to snatch the lead. Then, with Walker one frame away from victory the pair had to be pulled off the table to allow the afternoon session to begin. When they returned, Walker took the frame he needed to win 6-4 after an epic four hours of play.

A magnificent four frame burst from Stephen Maguire blew away his opponent Michael Wild. With the game locked at 2-2, Maguire made contributions of 106, 80, 93 and 105 to clinch a 6-2 win after an astonishing sprint to the line.

Stuart Bingham recovered from the disappointment of missing out on a place in next week’s European Masters by defeating Peter Lines. Neither player produced their best form, however it was the 2015 World Champion who came through a 6-2 winner.

For full results click here.