skip to main content

Joe Swail nails Neil Robertson to progress in International Championship in China

Joe Swail claimed an impressive 6-5 win over Australia's Robertson
Joe Swail claimed an impressive 6-5 win over Australia's Robertson

Antrim’s Joe Swail took the notable scalp of world number two Neil Robertson as he and Mark Allen progressed to the last 16 of the International Championship in China.

The 45-year-old, ranked 71, fought back from 5-3 down to win the last three frames and claim a 6-5 win.

Swail, who had lost his professional status two years ago before regaining it, will now meet England's Ricky Walden, who beat China's Zhou Yuelong, 6-5.

Allen also made it to round three with a 6-4 win over Martin Gould.

The win sets up a rematch with Stuart Bingham, who defeated Allen in the final of the Shanghai Masters last month. 

Dubliner Fergal O’Brien was beaten 6-1 by Liverpudlian Rod Lawler.

Ronnie O'Sullivan made short work of Anthony McGill as the five-time world champion raced to a 6-1 success in their second-round clash.

O'Sullivan made breaks of 116, 101 and 112, and two more of more than 50, as he proved far too strong for his opponent.

Victory set up a meeting in round three with China's Li Hang, who also enjoyed a 6-1 win, over compatriot Zhao Xintong.

Judd Trump went down to a shock 6-5 defeat to Jamie Burnett, battling back from 4-2 down to lead 5-4 to lose the final two frames.

Burnett will now play Peter Ebdon, a 6-1 winner over Joe Perry.

Elsewhere, Mark Williams saw off Barry Hawkins 6-2, Robert Milkins thumped Shaun Murphy 6-1, and Stuart Bingham was a 6-3 winner over Ryan Day.

Other players into round three included Marco Fu, Ricky Walden, Sam Baird, Ian Burns, Michael White, Xiao Guodong and Rob Lawler.

Read Next