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Hong Kong’s Marco Fu was feeling the affects of a virus during his 0-6 whitewash against Australia’s Neil Robertson. Photos: Xinhua
SportHong Kong

Ailing Marco Fu makes early Masters exit after being thrashed by Neil Robertson in London opener

Hongkonger is sent spinning out of the Masters by world number three in a 6-0 whitewash at Alexandra Palace

Marco Fu
Paul Ryding
Paul Ryding
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Hong Kong’s Marco Fu Ka-chun was sent spinning out of the Masters last night after a whirlwind 0-6 whitewash at the hands of Australian Neil Robertson at Alexandra Palace.

It was a strange match because Marco was off his game. I didn’t do too much wrong, I just had to do my own thing and play the best I could
Neil Robertson

Fu, who had been suffering from the affects of a virus, was clearly struggling throughout a match in which he managed a top break of just 45.

The Hong Kong star had been on a fine run of form in the lead up to the Masters, which culminated in a victory at the Gibraltar Open before Christmas. But the ‘Thunder from Down Under’ was in devastating form as he set up a mouth-watering quarter-final match with Englishman Judd Trump.

Robertson was in fine form and will now face Judd Trump in the quarter-finals.

Robertson, who won the illustrious Masters event in 2012, will be looking to reach the final for a second successive year after finishing runner-up to Shaun Murphy at Alexandra Palace last year.

READ > Marco Fu wins Gibraltar Open for first title in two years

“It was a strange match because Marco was off his game," said world number three Robertson. "I didn’t do too much wrong, I just had to do my own thing and play the best I could. I had to make sure I didn’t let him back into the match and I finished it off well.”

“I know Marco is not one to make excuses but he was obviously not right, which I suppose was fortunate for me. Good on him for coming out and trying to have a go.”

Fu had won the Gibraltar Open late last year on his way to a career high ranking of eight in the world.
The 33-year-old, who also enjoyed a strong finish to 2015, winning the Champion of Champions and UK Championship back-to-back, will be hoping to get his hands on the £200,000 (HK$2.24 million) prize money in London.

MORE > Read all of our Marco Fu coverage here

He dominated from the start and ran up breaks of 54, 57, 73 and 106 on his way to a comfortable win.

A downhearted Fu couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“I feel sorry for the fans who bought tickets for tonight because I’m sure they were looking forward to it, and that’s what they got,” the 38-year-old said.

China’s Liang Wenbo was knocked out by four-time world champion John Higgins.
“I feel sorry for Neil too because it must have put him off. It’s very disappointing for me. Last night I was sick a few times, and the way I was feeling I was thinking of pulling out, but it’s the Masters and that’s the last thing you want to do. Even if I had only one arm, I’d keep playing.”

Fu enjoyed a stellar 2015 which saw his world ranking rise to a career-high eighth.

I feel sorry for the fans who bought tickets for tonight because I’m sure they were looking forward to it, and that’s what they got
Marco Fu

China’s Liang Wenbo, who has enjoyed a breakout season after reaching a career-high number 15 in the world, joined compatriot Ding Junhui in making an early exit in London.

In a closely fought match, Liang lost out 6-4 to four-time world champion and current world number seven John Higgins.

The Scot will face second seed Stuart Bingham in the last eight.

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