‘Best in the world’ – Mark Williams praises Neil Robertson after epic English Open quarter-final encounter

Mark Williams has hailed Neil Robertson as “the best player in the world” following their epic English Open quarter-final clash on Friday.

Despite losing the first three frames, the 47-year-old clawed his way back into contention and felt Robertson’s current form was the difference between the two men.

“I didn’t do much wrong,” Williams told Eurosport afterwards. “In the last frame, he was a little bit lucky to come off the pack… flicked a red, could have left me in, I could have made a break.

“And the very next shot, I did the same as him. Had a bad flick, left him a red and he cleared up.

“That’s how tight it was. Breaks going in for fun.

“That’s why he’s the best player in the world at the minute. His scoring ability, there’s no one in the same league as him at the minute.

“Every time he gets in he doesn’t look like he’s going to miss.”

Robertson himself was less impressed with his display, and bemoaned the fact Williams was able to push him all the way despite his early dominance.

“It was a great match, like a lot I’ve played this year,” he said. “Seems to be that I’m bringing out the best of my opponent in every match I play.

“I like playing like that, it’s nice but it’s a bit of a problem if people keep playing so well against me.

“I know they have to raise their game but I think I’m giving away too many easy starters occasionally.”

Robertson hit three century breaks in the match, including 127 in the final frame, but feels that he is also currently giving too much away in matches, despite not playing “stupid” shots.

“Walking away from that match, I’ve worked out what’s been going wrong. Occasionally, when it looks like I’m dominating a game, I’m giving opponents lifelines – not with terrible shots, but I just need to give shots a little bit more care.

“It’s not that I’m playing stupid shots or anything, I just need a little bit more care not to give my opponents easy starters.

“I think if you’re 2, 3, 4-0 down or whatever it may be, the pressure is off and you’re relaxed and take the easier chances better than at 0-0. And that’s what I’ve been doing.“

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