World Snooker Championship: Liang Wenbo dumped out by world No 2 Robertson; Yan Bingtao in control
- Liang is eliminated in round one by 2010 champion Neil Robertson
- Yan set to cruise into round two as Ding prepares for O’Sullivan clash
The Australian opened up with a sumptuous break of 140 before losing the next two frames to the Heilongjiang native. It was to be the last time the Chinese No 7 would be in front, though, with another century break (122) beginning a run of three straight frames for the 38-year-old Robertson.
Liang kept himself in the match for a time and after a century break in the ninth frame and an 82 in the 10th, was back on level terms at 5-5.
“When the draw came out I was hoping to get one of the debutants because they are not used to the Crucible,” Robertson said. “So to get Liang was up there with the toughest draws. He made an unbelievable break to go 5-5 and I was wondering how I was going to shake him off. I missed a couple then he started to get nervy and miss a few which helped me out. I pinched really important frames at key moments, especially the one to go 8-5 ahead.”
Robertson, the 2010 world champion, claimed each of the next five frames, including breaks of 97, 89 and 50, to ensure he advanced into round two where he will meet Barry Hawkins of England or Switzerland’s Alexander Ursenbacher.
Elsewhere, China’s number two Yan Bingtao is on course to become the second mainland player in round two. He leads England’s Crucible debutant Elliot Slessor 7-1 after a dominant showing in the first session of their clash.