China Open Day 4

Neil Robertson battles through his illness and Yu Delu
to reach the quarters in Beijing. Image: World Snooker

An under-the-weather Neil Robertson once again showed his grit as he overcame Yu Delu to reach the China Open quarter-finals. The Australian started well and led 3-1 at the break although Yu managed to win three on the bounce to go 4-3 up. However a coughing and spluttering Robertson proved his ranking at world number one by hitting runs of 91 and 60 to complete the win.

The Australian now plays Graeme Dott after he overcame teenager Luca Brecel 5-2. It had been a quiet season for the young Belgian up until now but his good run was finally ended with 2006 World Champion Dott making the match’s highest break of 83 in the final frame.

Ding Junhui clinched the match of the day as he defeated John Higgins 5-2. Ding won the opening two with runs of 72 and 55 but Higgins hit back to draw level with 103 and 55 breaks. However Ding finished strongly, firstly taking the fifth with an 87, then the sixth on the final black, before smashing home a 124 in the seventh to claim the win. His next opponent is Mark King who pulled out a terrific comeback from 3-0 down to beat world number 94 Jamie O’Neill 5-3.

Ricky Walden secured a solid 5-3 win to knock-out the recent World Open champion Shaun Murphy on Wednesday to book his place in the quarter-finals. The 2012 Wuxi Classic winner hit top breaks of 100 and 51 to claim the win. He plays Ali Carter next after he beat Peter Ebdon, twice China Open champion, 5-3.

Mark Selby brought Jimmy White’s excellent week to an end, beating him 5-1 with top runs of 78, 67, 67 and 73. White is almost certainly guaranteed a place on tour next season though with his run to the last 16. Selby’s quarter-final opponent is Mike Dunn after he beat Manchester’s Craig Steadman 5-3.