• World Open

Trump into last 16 while Robertson closes in on history

ESPN staff
March 12, 2014
Judd Trump overcame Matthew Stevens in an epic © PA Photos
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Judd Trump came from behind on three occasions to beat Matthew Stevens 5-4 and move into the last 16 of the Haikou World Open.

Bristolian Trump trailed the former Masters and UK Championship winner 2-0, 3-2 and 4-3 before going no to snatch victoy with a break of 49 in the decider.

"It was very humid and sticky so conditions were difficult," Trump told WorldSnooker.com. "

"We know it's going to be hard at this event and you just have to prepare yourself for that and not get down about it. Maybe Matthew got more distracted than I did."

Trump will face fellow Englishman John Higgins, who trounced Michael White 5-0.

World No.1 Neil Robertson recorded two more centuries in a 5-1 win over Rory McLeod to take his tally for the season of 91 - and just nine away from a historic ton of tons.

The Australian wasn't entirely happy, though.

"It was a game of patience because Rory is a good safety player and doesn't make many mistakes," Robertson said. "There were a few people moving around in the crowd including a woman with a baby. I missed one shot because someone was looking out from behind a pillar. I'm happy with the way I have played here so far but I think there's room for improvement. My best is good enough to win the tournament."

Robertson now faces Marco Fu, who came from 3-2 down to beat Michael Holt 5-3 with a top break of 104.

"The match got bogged down in the middle with a few long frames," Fu said. "Then I played better towards the end. It's going to be tough against Neil, I will need to improve on my overall game to have a chance."

Elsewhere, Ricky Walden saw off Ken Doherty 5-1 while Shaun Murphy beat Mark King by the same scoreline.

Walden will face Mark Allen, who ousted Mark Williams 5-3. Murphy faces the prospect of Ding Junhui, who needed a decider to defeat Pankaj Advani 5-4.

Stuart Bingham and Barry Hawkins were also beaten in the ninth frame, against Dominic Dale and Mark Joyce respectively.

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