Neil Robertson delivered an extraordinary comeback at the Masters, overcoming a daunting 5-1 deficit to defeat John Higgins 6-5 in a thrilling encounter. The Australian, a two-time winner of the prestigious tournament, seized the opportunity to compete after being called up as a late replacement for Ronnie O’Sullivan, who withdrew from the event.
The match appeared to be heading toward a quick conclusion as Higgins dominated the early stages, showcasing remarkable form. The Scotsman raced to a commanding 5-1 lead, capitalizing on Robertson’s limited scoring opportunities. Higgins compiled breaks of 54, 78, 59, 86, and 66, leaving his opponent with a mountain to climb.
However, Robertson’s resilience and skill came to the fore as he mounted an extraordinary fightback. He began his recovery with a solid break of 63 to claim the seventh frame, halting Higgins’ momentum. The Australian then took the eighth frame, setting the stage for a dramatic turnaround.
With the pressure mounting, Robertson produced some of his best snooker. He delivered a stunning break of 118, followed by an impressive 80, to level the match at 5-5 and force a decider. The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the players prepared for the final frame.
Higgins started the decider strongly, constructing a break of 35 before missing a challenging red to the middle pocket. Sensing his opportunity, Robertson responded with a break of 57 but was unable to dislodge the penultimate red from the side cushion. What followed was a tense safety exchange, with both players vying for control.
Ultimately, Higgins left a red near the middle pocket, and Robertson capitalized, clearing the table to secure a remarkable victory and a place in the quarter-finals. The comeback highlighted Robertson’s determination and ability to perform under pressure, thrilling the audience with his flair and precision.
Reflecting on the match, Robertson expressed his satisfaction with his performance, emphasizing the importance of translating his practice form into competitive matches. He acknowledged the quality of Higgins’ play in the early stages but took pride in his ability to seize the moment and deliver a memorable comeback.
Higgins, visibly disappointed, acknowledged Robertson’s exceptional performance, noting the Australian’s composure and skill in the latter stages of the match. Despite his frustration, he gave credit to Robertson for the remarkable turnaround.
The victory marked a significant moment for Robertson, who aims to build on this momentum for the remainder of the season. His ability to recover from such a challenging position demonstrated his mental fortitude and reaffirmed his status as one of the sport’s elite players. Fans were left in awe of the dramatic contest, which will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most captivating matches in recent Masters history.
