Update: Neil Robertson shares honest verdict on World Snooker Championship exit – ‘Unfair’ News

Neil Robertson suffered a first round exit at the hands of Chris Wakelin at the World Championship, with the Australian left to rue his slow start to the match

Australian snooker player Neil Robertson expressed disappointment over his early elimination from the World Championship – labelling it as “unfair” after losing to Chris Wakelin on Sunday night. Robertson, a past Crucible winner, had staged an impressive comeback to level at 7-7 despite trailing 7-2 after the first session.

However, he only managed to win one of the final four frames, with Wakelin securing the necessary three frames to progress to the next round. Speaking with BBC Sport, Robertson reflected on the game: “It was a huge ask after yesterday, I thought yesterday was a pretty poor run of the ball. I didn’t do a lot wrong, as I only missed one ball I should’ve potted. So 7-2 was a really unfair reflection. But the way I had played in the session, still gave me a lot of hope today.”

Regarding the momentum, Robertson said: “To win the first four, then the interval came and I didn’t quite get that momentum going again. Still played some decent stuff, potted a really good black at eight each… I think if I had got to nine before him, I certainly would’ve won.”

Robertson also had high praise for Wakelin, recalling an interaction from the previous season: “Fair play to Chris, potted some really good balls there. When I was struggling with my game last year, he was really positive, engaging in conversation with me, he always knew I’d come back. I’ve got nothing but praise for Chris, and I wish him all the best.”

Former world champion John Parrott delivered his verdict on the BBC’s coverage after a surprising twist at the World Championship, stating: “It’s a sore one, because if he’d been beaten 10-3 or 10-4, after what happened yesterday, he’d have just shrugged his shoulders. The fact he’s got himself right back to 7-7, that makes that a real sore one to lose.”

As for Wakelin, reaching new heights in the World Championship brought evident joy – as the 33-year-old recalled: “I’ve changed a lot over the last seven years, my mindset is so much stronger now. I just say to myself; ‘Regardless of what’s happening, I’m just ready for my next chance’… but as long as I’m ready, that’s the best I can do for myself.”

He went on to add: “I started with a century, which set the tone and Neil did the same today. You’re playing against one of the best players of all-time, a 7-2 lead? That’s no guarantee at all.”