Neil Robertson progresses in English Open with whitewash win over Elliot Slessor, Selby also safely through

Neil Robertson wasted little time in securing his place in the third round of the English Open following a 4-0 win over Elliot Slessor.

Robertson produced a professional and clinical display, making breaks of 88, 60 and 63 as he set up a match with Ryan Day.

A dubious foul was called on Robertson in the opening frame, but it failed to deter the Australian as he went on to make a superb break to take the initiative in the match.

Slessor was in control of the second frame when he failed to escape from a snooker while leading 64-24, leaving a free ball, and in typical fashion, Robertson made him pay to lead 2-0.

An unusual moment occurred at the start of the third frame as an emergency door alarm forced a stoppage with Robertson threatening to break into full flow. ‘The Thunder from Down Under’ wasn’t going to be distracted for long, putting the frame beyond his opponent with another half-century.

Slessor took an early advantage in what proved to be the final frame of the match, but after a break of 33 he played a poor safety and was duly punished, with Robertson securing victory with a succession of tremendous shots.

Meanwhile, Mark Selby is also safely through to the last-16 courtesy of a 4-1 win over Wu Yize. He will meet the winner of Shaun Murphy or Anthony McGill in the next round.

It wasn’t Kyren Wilson’s night as he suffered a shock 4-1 loss to James Jones. Ryan Day edged Ricky Walden 4-3.

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