Magnificent Ronnie marches into semis - 11/11/2010

Ronnie O’Sullivan 5 – 1 Neil Robertson
83 (80) – 40 (32), 85 (49) – 20, 128 (40, 84) – 0, 134 (130) – 0, 32 (32) – 64 (49), 79 (79) – 59 (59)

Ronnie O’Sullivan put on another excellent display of focused snooker as he secured his spot in the Premier League play-offs with a 5-1 win over Neil Robertson. That left him on course for his sixth title in seven years while the Australian’s Premier League woes continued and he is now looking for a string of miracles to stay in the competition.

O’Sullivan was slow out of the traps in an event he has exerted domination over in recent years, but his last couple of performances, scoring quality wins when needed, have made him favourite to lift another title.

He set out his stall in the first with a fluid break of 80, and it was clear at this early stage that Robertson would need to be on top form to make an impact. A 49 secured the second and breaks of 40 and then 80 gave O’Sullivan the first of the two points available.

A magnificent run of 130, playing both right and left handed, sealed the win for O’Sullivan and shifted him up to second in the table.

Robertson salvaged some pride when a break of 49 gave him the fifth frame, but an excellent run of 79 in the last gave the Rocket a 5-1 win.

“I’m pleased with the victory which is always nice against the World Champion and World No.1 and hopefully I can go on from here,” said O’Sullivan.