Neil Robertson, a former World Championship winner, has failed to qualify for the tournament for the first time in 20 years after losing to Jamie Jones in the final qualifying round. Robertson, who has struggled with form this season, dropped out of the top 16 and missed out on an automatic spot in the event at the Crucible in Sheffield. Despite a strong performance in the penultimate round of qualifying, where he defeated Zak Surety 10-2, Robertson was unable to maintain his lead against Jones, eventually losing 10-9 in a closely contested match.
The 42-year-old, who made his World Championship debut in 2004, has expressed disappointment at missing out on the prestigious event but has vowed to bounce back stronger next season. Robertson acknowledged Jones’ good play in their match, where he lost from a commanding 8-5 lead. Despite a valiant effort to come back from a 2-0 deficit and reel off eight frames, including two centuries and six 50-plus breaks, Robertson was unable to secure the win as Jones leveled the score at 8-8 and ultimately won the final frame decider with a brilliant break of 60.
Jamie Jones, the Welshman who defeated Robertson, expressed his delight at his victory and credited his resilience and style of play for the win. Jones, who reached the quarter-finals on his debut at the Crucible in 2012, is set to make his sixth appearance at the prestigious tournament when it begins on April 20. He emphasized the importance of never giving up and highlighted the tough nature of the game against Robertson, stating that the long matches in the tournament suit his style of play.
The loss for Robertson marks the end of a long streak of successive appearances at the World Championship, signaling a disappointing season for the Australian player. Despite the setback, Robertson remains optimistic about his future in the sport and is determined to come back stronger in the upcoming season. His defeat to Jones, who played exceptionally well in their tight match, serves as a motivation for Robertson to work on his game and improve for future tournaments. Meanwhile, Jones is looking forward to showcasing his skills at the Crucible once again and is determined to make the most of the opportunity in the upcoming World Championship.
Snooker fans can stream top action from the sport, including the World Championship, live and on-demand on discovery+. The upcoming tournament promises to be an exciting event with talented players like Jamie Jones looking to make their mark on the prestigious stage. As players prepare to compete for the championship title, the absence of Neil Robertson from the lineup adds an element of surprise and intrigue to the tournament, highlighting the unpredictable nature of snooker competitions. With high-quality matches and dramatic moments expected at the Crucible, fans can look forward to an engaging and thrilling World Championship this season.
