European Masters: Jimmy Robertson’s stunning comeback, plus Zhang Anda and Hossein Vafei hit 147s
- Seb Sternik
- 18 July 2022
Jimmy Robertson produced one of his greatest ever comebacks as he sealed his place in the field for the 2022 European Masters. Here's a round-up of the weekend's action.
The Englishman was down 4-0 in his qualifying clash with China's Zhao Jianbo, yet he refused to throw the towel in and fought back to take an astounding 5-4 victory.
Robertson is a former European Masters champion, having claimed the title back in 2018 with a 9-6 win over Joe Perry in Lommel, Belgium.
His chances of a 2022 appearance looked slim when Zhao reeled off four straight frames with impressive breaks of 82, 53, 63 and 69.
The 18-year-old had a plethora of opportunities to seal victory, but failed to close out the show and paid a heavy price as Robertson began fighting back.
The 36-year-old from Bexhill-on-Sea took the next four frames with top runs of 65 and 51, before edging his opponent in a decider which lasted a gruelling 43 minutes.
Robertson will now take on Andy Hicks in the opening round in Furth, Germany.
0-4 down, won 5-4. Cracking effort from Jimmy Robertson.
— Phil Haigh (@philhaigh_) July 17, 2022
A stinking Sunday in Leicester for Zhao Jianbo. pic.twitter.com/1mLwfbGaTK
Elsewhere, Zhang Anda produced the first 147 break of his career as he cruised to a 5-1 victory over Anton Kazakov.
After losing the first frame, the world number 87 hit back with a maximum before going on to secure his first-round spot.
Hossein Vafei also joined the 147 club after producing his first official maximum in a 5-1 win against Ng On Yee.
Former world champion Stuart Bingham sealed his progression with a comeback victory over Michael Holt. The 46-year-old went from 3-2 down to secure a 5-3 win.
Amateur Daniel Wells top scored with 85 to beat veteran Peter Lines 5-3, while James Cahill dazzled with runs of 75, 94, 55 and 90 in a 5-1 demolition of Adam Duffy.
Marco Fu, meanwhile, scored his first win in a ranking event since 2020 after beating David Gilbert 5-1. UK Champion Zhao Xintong also progressed with a 5-2 success over Fraser Patrick.
