Semi-Final: Neil Robertson v Mark Selby UK Snooker Championship

Hello. It has already been a marathon day in York. After seeing

the first summit final in this year's Betway UK Championship finish

only about half an hour ago after a 1 PM start, it was China's you when

both who eventually after a gruelling and fascinating match had

the better of the game over David Grace. Liang becomes only the third

Asian player to make it through to the final. This evening's contest in

which we will find out who he will face tomorrow could be different. It

features two of snooker's greatest players of the moment, indeed, other

any time. Neil Robertson Australia and Mark Selby. Boat owners of the

snooker triple Crown of world, Masters and UK champions. They run

into each other at the business end of every one of snooker's big three.

# I'm a fire # I'm the dark in need of flight

# When we touch, you inspire # Feel the change in me tonight

# Our hearts alight # Firestorm

# When they strike, we feel the love #

Sparks will fly # When they strike we light of the

world # # It would be fair to say Neil

Robertson has been the inform player this week.

He's had seven centuries but a tough passage as well, particularly

against John Higgins, fantastic match, 6-5. Have both had scares.

Yes, Mark Selby could have gone out to Damian Jones. Mark Selby has

improved a lot since that match. Neil Robertson has been in imperious

form. If you are going to make the case for Neil Robertson to win the

match, go ahead. He's scoring a lot more healthily than Mark Selby at

this moment in time, and that may be the difference. They are both such

good match players, they have great all-round game all around the table,

great safety players and when they get in they pounce. What will Mark

Selby have to do to win? He's got to believe in himself and have a lot

more confidence than he has shown so far in this tournament but he has

the ability, he is world number one. Neal will have to drag him off the

table. Will always say that about Mark Selby, you have to drag him off

the table. He never knows when he's beaten and that's a great attribute

to have. If I asked you to put yourself not on the fence, who is

going to win this match? It's very difficult. They are two of the best

players in the world. Just tell me, just one player. They are both

playing great snooker. I'll tell you what I will do, this is fair, it is

going to go very close. CHUCKLES

Let's get a clue from the players and then.

I'm highly confident going into the semifinal, it's going to be tough,

Neal is playing the best in the tournament so far so I need to bring

me a game. You know with Mark he's going to stick in there no matter

how well or badly he's playing. He'll never give in. He's one of the

game's greatest players. I don't think Neal has any weaknesses, great

long potter, scorer, all-round game is really good, just a really tough

match. We have played each other lots of times in big matches over

the last two or three seasons. They are always tough matches and well

fought. I've played quite well in this tournament, so it's not a bad

time to be peaking at this tournament and the Masters around

the corner. Now it's about trying to add more trophies to the

collection. My hunger for success is as strong as ever. I just need to

keep trying to do everything I can to win these tournaments. As it

stands Selvie has the edge in their previous contests six - five.

Robertson beat the English man in York in this UK final two years ago

but Selby has wand their two most recent contests since, including

that brilliant late-night Crucible semifinal last year. I think we know

what we are in for this year. Dennis Taylor and John Virgo do. You've

been in this commentary box for six hours, how are you bearing up? I'm

feeling good, I've had a nice cuppa tea and a lie down and I really

enjoyed this afternoon. Many people did. John, it will be a different

type of contest, what is the key for both players tonight? Neil Robertson

is probably showing better form than anybody in the game at the moment so

Mark Selby will have to cope with that. Ever since getting through

that scare with Jamie Jones Mark Selby has upped his game and he is

cueing a lot better. The key as usual is get your chances and take

them. I think both players tonight will know whoever wins this, and it

does have the feel of a final, is going to going to tomorrow odds-on

favourite for the title. Yes, you would have to say that and I'm going

to stick with Neil Robertson. Although you can never right off, he

made three Sentry bakes, 69 and 66 and he lost, how often would that

happen -- century breaks. Neil Robertson has destroyed two Scottish

players. Can he do it against any display? That's the question. It's a

special evening in York and the crowd are ready for the

introductions. Over to Rob Walker. This is the last session of snooker

before tomorrow's Betway UK Championship final. We promise this

will have been worth waiting for. They have both won it again but only

one can advance to night. Ladies and gentlemen, this is going to be

absolutely epic. It's showtime once again here at the Barbican.

Please welcome a player who has been simply sensational since his arrival

from Australia just over a decade ago. Winner of 11 ranking event

titles, including last month's Champion of Champions. The 2013

winner here survived a steering comeback from John Higgins

yesterday. He's once again poised and once again ready, so can you

hear the Thunder from Down Under? Here is Neil Robertson.

And his opponent, a player who never knows when he's beaten. UK champion

here in 2012, he completed snooker's triple Crown winning the

world title in fine style last year. He has a mental strength almost

unparalleled in the modern game, he is the world number one, the Jester

from Leicester, Mark Selby! COMMENTATOR: What a match we are in

for this evening. Absolutely incredible the way these two players

have played over the years. It is tough to pick a winner.

REFEREE: Thank you, the first frame, Mark Selby.

Mark gets this opening frame and away. -- underway. I tell you what,

it was a tremendous reception both players got, Dennis. Great

atmosphere here tonight in the Barbican.

Just a little short of pace with that safety. Yes, we have two of the

game's rate break-builders but they are both tactical players as well.

It's going to be fascinating to see who makes the mistakes, and how.

As I mentioned to Hazel, that match against John Higgins was very

special. Mark Selby had a comfortable 6-1 win against Matthew

Selt who could have won at least a couple of the frames. But Neil

Robertson, John Major three Sentry breaks and two 60 plus breaks, what

a wind that was for Neal. -- John made three century breaks. He had

his hand on the table but he did not fancy a pot. He has not played the

safety very well. He played it much too thin. Such a high standard this

week from Neil Robertson, you wonder whether he can keep it up. Because,

had together the against Stephen Maguire, it was as good a snooker as

you have ever seen. Yes, I remember Stephen Maguire coming to the table

to shake his hand. He had a big smile on his face as if to say, I

could not do anything about that. Stephen Sutton off with a century

break and never got a look at anything after that. Not the best

safety once again. The reds are nicely spread. You would be looking

to get in behind that green if you possibly could. It was a bit wide

but as long as he doesn't kiss the brown it looks like a good length,

and it is a good shot. Just looking to see if he landed on

the red near the right corner, would he leave anything to the opposite

pocket? But I think it is all pretty safe, so I think he may elect to do

that. That's the shot available to him. He's having a look. There does

not seem to be an escape route, so that might be the only thing he can

play. Following your line, he'd like to get in behind it, if he doesn't

he could possibly leave the red to the middle or the one close to the

pink. He judged that to perfection, he could not have played it any

better. If Mark can get past the brown there

is a possible cut on to the right corner. OK, it is a thin one. If he

hit it reasonably thin enough the cue-balled would have a path back to

the baulk end. It looks like he can get past the brown. -- the cue

ball. Almost a guide to the potting angle. You don't want to hit it too

thick. Well played. He needs a good bounce,

or a good flick on the green to get on a colour, and he's got one.

You could not cue of all much better than that, right in the heart of the

pocket, cued it beautifully. It's always nice to get a good start, get

your hand on the table early. Some players don't like to look at the

table. Look at Neal looking over Mark's shoulder to see if he's going

to pot the brown. As you say, although the black is tied up, it's

a good chance with the wave the reds I hit -- the way the reds are here.

I would not think he will be too concerned at the moment about trying

to get the black back into play, he can concentrate on the pink that is

available to both centre, and to the corner.

Over these players will love the atmosphere here. Down to one table,

no distractions from another table. They have all the crowd around them.

And there you can see it. The boys this afternoon, their first time in

a major semifinal, Liang Wenbo and David Grace, in the first frame they

could hardly pot a ball they were so nervous. But these boys are used to

the big arenas. We might see quite a few frames in

this semifinal won with one visit. So there you see it, 51 ahead, 83

remaining. He will possibly need three of the remaining reds. This is

the last of the easy ones to get on. He got a bounce off the caution

there, and he stands there in disgust. He thought he had hit it

well, and he came off the cushion very quick. A lot quicker than

anticipated. The only consolation is he has got it up into the corner.

But it would have been much easier than this. It's amazing, that bounce

off the cushion spoiled Mark from clinching the frame. I still fancied

him to knock that one in but I think the disappointment from the bounce

off the cushion partly caused that miss. Neil Callan pot the red

closest to the cue ball. I'm not sure how much he can do with the

white. He has checked to see if there is a possibility of getting

through to the black. Can he see enough of the black? If he rolls the

red he is closest to and just cannons the second red, will he be

able to pot the black? It is certainly going to be tight.

He thinks he can. He'd know better from time the shot than we would

from our commentary position. It just begs a little question, OK,

I know Mark Selby was concentrating on the pink when he was in, but

perhaps he could have, for the black. It seems to have gone in

quite comfortably. It is a big ask to win the frame at

this visit. The most awkward red is the one near the right centre

pocket. You can see the referee having a

long hard look at that red to make sure he did not foul it.

These top players thrive on a situation like this, where it looked

like they had almost lost a frame and they get a chance and a

reprieve, and the number of times they clear up. It is so difficult

from here. Now that he has finished a bit straight it is a bit more

difficult. But they do it so many times. It was a careless shot off

the black that left him without much angle and trying to force this, it

is missable. He can still pot the black. He had a quick glance at the

scoreboard, 27 behind and 43 remaining. He does not have to go

for the pot. He was keen to cover the red on the

left-hand side of the table, as we look. That would have left a potting

opportunity for Mark. And of course, this was the awkward red. Would like

to move it away from the cushion. He could get a snooker because of

the yellow, green and brown as they are. If he can get the red back-up

there is every chance he could get that snooker. He had a quick look,

Neal, before heading back to his seat. That is what he was looking

at. Good knowledge there. The tap on the table from Mark Selby.

Delicate little swerve, just to fit off the red. I think he got too much

on it. And he may be able to get through to the red over the pocket.

That was a very tough shot he took on. He had to be so precise.

He got too much on it, didn't he, John? He just wanted to flick off

the reds. I think he would have liked to play off the side cushion

and hit one of those reds full in the face. But it was being blocked.

Here is Neil Robertson at the table again. A little bit easier than it

was on his last attempt to pinch the frame. Although it looks as though

he's come a little straight on the black forced up he may elect to play

the pink. Being a left-hander the red is quite comfortable. He's just

a bit straight. The pink is the better one to get on the last red

that he will need. Just the black to leave Mark needing

a snooker. I am looking at the scores the wrong way round at the

moment. It is needed that is coming from behind. Six hours this

afternoon. Understandable. The yellow is a much easier ball to get

position on for a left-hander than a right-hander. So much margin of

error. He couldn't play the best of the yellow, so the green is

definitely admissible. Terrific. Terrific. Just blue and pink needed

now. Mark looked as if he was going to take the frame and that quick

bounce of the cushion and he has a kick there. Neil has a heavy contact

there. He only needs the pink. Look at that. The White took off there.

He doesn't have to get onto the black, so just make sure the pink to

pinch this opening frame. Oh. Only just in the pocket. Mark Selby. They

look at each other and have a smile. Mark Selby was on lucky with the 52

break. Neil Robertson will be delighted. He leads 1-0. That sends

a message to Mark Selby, does it not? Just have a look at this yellow

that Neil Robertson plays. We were watching it. He could have been

forgiven for getting on the green easier and he could have run through

to get straight on the green in the middle pocket. He said immediately,

he is so confident. Just watch the way he plays this. He is trying to

get the cover on the blue-chip humus. It is clever. Right in the

heart of the pocket. And nothing on the table is not safe. Has the

patent been established? Big break after big break? Possibly. I think

there will be a stealing of frames. Had the pink bean missed week would

be talking differently. It is brisk business. Into frame to we go. That

was an excellent first frame. Mark Selby will be feeling a little bit

aggrieved. Neil Robertson cleared it really well. He smiled because need

turned around and give him the look. Nice to see that though, great

sportsmanship. Talking about great sportsmanship, just before we came

into the commentary box, David Grace was getting his stuff together to

leave and what a gentleman he is. He has had such a good UK Championship

will stop delighted for him. I hope to see a lot more of David. A lovely

lad. Just sad the way he went out, really. The pinky missed in the

middle will haunt him for quite a while to come, I would imagine. You

have two put it behind you. We have all missed them. You always feel

there is a little bit of fortune with that shot because the player is

trying to get the cue ball tied to the cushion. He had at that a little

bit thinner than he wanted. He finished up getting a snooker out of

it. Nicely negotiated. He hadn't got the angle there to get a snooker

behind the green. He just had to make sure it was close to the

cushion. Mark can get behind the colours now on his way back down. He

is going to find the gap though. Is there a path through to the red to

the left corner because the black is waiting for the red corner. No, he

cannot see enough of that one. He might be able to park the other one.

He will have defined the gap between the red and black if the path is

this. -- pots this. He really is devastating at that type of shot.

Never easy to really get tied behind is the green ball there and he has

left a path toward the red near the top cushion. The problem is with

this type of shot, if you did not catch it really then, chances are

the red will go back up the table with the cue ball. This is one of

the hardest safety shot you can play. Is there a gap between yellow

and blue to play another red? Looks as though there is. Even though the

court that a little bit too thick, it was a lot easier safety of blood

red than the one tied to the top cushion. The black has come to the

rescue to red from the left corner. Let's have a look. Look for the

black is when it finishes. It blocks the path for that is near the left

corner. I can't see a straight forward path back. It shows you it

was not the best shot from Mark Selby. It has put Neil Robertson in

trouble none the less. He might have two played the deep screw shot to

get the ball back. You are never absolutely sure or at the ball is

going when you plate that deep screw shot. There is no problem with the

cube power. -- where that ball. It is not bad because the one that

is near the left corner pocket looks to be dead straight. Might have a

slight angle with it. Must be the way he is cueing it. Not much of an

angle there. That was tough. Where are they going to finish this time?

Where is this red go on? If he covers this with the blue he has had

a result. Well, he hasn't covered it, but it is a pretty good outcome

there. Once he took this on and missed it the polls could have

finished up anywhere. -- the balls. The yellow is a slight distraction.

Felt forced into it. That was always going to be a difficult shot. You

are concerned about fouling the yellow when you push the cue

through. Here is a chance now for Mark. That would have been a minor

distraction and it caused him to miss the red. Good solid pot. It is

not the best table with the blue of it spot and out of commission. I am

not certain about the availability of the pink. I would suggest that at

the first chance he gets Mark will try to get position on the black and

get that on its spot. The pink may just be available into the right

corner. He has a nice angle on this red, I think. He is just wondering

where to put the bridge hand. This site or over of the blue? This is a

new one. An extension on for a shot like this? He must practice those. A

lot of distance between the bridge hand and the cue ball there. I have

not seen many people put an extension on for that type of shot

though. He just didn't get the right angle on the back, so he is playing

the bank. The question is where does the pink go when it is re-spotted.

That is OK. He can play for the blackmail. -- play for the black.

This is a decent chance. He had 52 in the opening frame and finished up

losing that. You could see the little chalk mark their next to the

cue ball. That is when you play a screw shot. It leaves a little trail

of chocolate. -- chalk there. A couple more reds are available for

Mark. A little disappointed. He wanted that cue ball to be against

the side cushion here. I think you can just about make the angle. He

didn't want to be using the long rest and the extension. You don't

expect him to miss it, but it can just affect perfect position on the

pink. He has played it well. Only one more this red, so he may go into

the bunch here. It is imperative he comes out nice on the bank. He has

done. What has he done there? He will need a plant to come to his

rescue. He felt he could nudge one out of the way, rather than go into

them, but maybe he can make the plant which, if it is on, it has got

out of trouble here. The last shot did not work out he intended. It

makes me think that maybe those two reds, that is where he is playing

for the plant. He got the plant, but misjudged the line of the cue ball.

Kissing the black fruit in the face was not advantageous. -- food in the

face. Did he develop the plant or was it there? I thought there was a

chance of a planned. Why else would he try to not play the cannon?

Anyway, the point is he has pulled out a good black there. Now, one

good shot and he will be back in prime position. Has he covered them

again? He is looking anxiously. If he has covered that one, which it

looks as if he has, this is a similar scenario to the opening

frame when he made the 52 break and finished up losing it. He is on 55

at the moment. It turned out that the cue ball ran through. He will be

disappointed not to win the frame at this visit. Especially as there must

suggested about what happened in the first frame. He doesn't want that to

happen again. There is no pop on because he is looking for the

safety. -- pot on. Not bad but not great. Couldn't agree more. You need

to get the white on the cushion rather than the baulk line when you

have got need wide, and behind you. The two reds at the left side of the

table, I am sure he can get through to the right-hand one. He is looking

at one to the right corner, he is looking at the one to the left

corner. He has got to get this. Brilliant. Absolutely terrific shot.

Will history repeat itself in this frame? A superb pot. Good control of

the cue ball. A very strange choice of safety from Mark Selby when he

ran out of position. You have got to find the cushion with Neil

Robertson, you cannot leave it, you are asking for trouble. He seems to

be concerned about where the pink will go when it is re-spotted. Is it

going to tie up one of these reds? He has played the cannon perfectly.

What happens to the bank? No, it doesn't affect much. Still

available. I think he can just get through to it. He has got another

red. A quick glance at the scoreboard. 47 points behind, but 67

remaining. Plenty of points to play with. The blue, which would usually

be the awkward ball is not too bad for a left-hander. He would love to

take the red next to the pink, but he will have two plate wanted in

middle and grew up for a collar and then back up table again. -- will

half to play. It just means he has lost close control, but one good

shot will get him back there. I do not know whether he has an angle to

pot this and nudge the pink and red, not quite. In an ideal world he

would like to have been straight on this red and there would be no

problem to play for the black. Leaving the black into the middle.

Play for the red near the top cushion now. He just needs a little

bounce. He has got it. Mark Selby will be sitting in his seat

wondering whether it is deja vu. , first with a 52 break in the opening

frame, lost it, 55 in this. May not be enough. He has looked long and

hard at the red next to the pink to see if it would pot into the

opposite corner. We will find out shortly. He will have another close

look at this. I can just see enough of it. The perfect angle to drop in

behind this last red. He can leave it for the middle order for the

corner. -- or for the corner. As you said, that blue will be the cue ball

and being a left-hander, it is the correct side of the table for me if

he can get that far. -- for need. Played it nicely. The perfect angle

on the pink year. Just enough to side cushion. He could get in a

position on the green where he could move the blue away from the side

cushion, depends how he sees it. He will be thinking a cue shots ahead.

If he can get on the brown in such a way that he can drop into the middle

of the circle he would be perfectly on the blue, being a left-hander and

he could screw back up for the pink. I am sure that is what his plan will

be. What sort of angle has he got on the brown? Yes. I think he can run

it through and come back over. Somewhere in the middle of that

would be perfect. That is good. He is closer to it. It has bounced a

little further than he wanted. Four points behind. He checks the

scoreboard. He needs the three remaining colours. He is quite a

tall lad, so he can stretch round. Just overstretched a little bit

there. He is not perfect on this link. The pink will put seven points

in front. Of course, there will still seven remaining, so good

during the year. Has he got the angle to roll this pink in, Ms

Buchanan on the back? -- miss the cannon? Wonderful. He didn't miss

the cannon. This is tricky. This is tricky. Rose it in. It gives it

every chance. Once again, Mark Selby on the wrong end of it. Great

clearance at 68 from Neil Robertson. Mark Selby must feel he's been

mugged twice in this match. I'm sure you are fascinated by what is going

on. If you fancy getting in touch, it's the usual channels, the guys

are waiting for your comments and questions. Back to the job in hand.

Ken Neil Robertson pushing the message home. Unbelievable

clearance, Mark Selby will be dumbfounded and not know what hit

him because he should have won those two frames. Neil Robertson

absolutely mugged him. What a clearance and first initial pot to

get in, still a lot of work to do, great pink off the side push and

what about the bottle to drop it in-off the black as well, superb.

Yes. When a great player like Ronnie O'Sullivan or John Higgins is in

full flow their judgment of weight for the positional shot is

absolutely spot on all the time and that's what Neil Robertson is doing,

it's not just the clean potting, he's nailed on the next ball all the

time. Rakes of 52 and 55 from Mark Selby and nothing to show for it so

far. -- breaks of 52. COMMENTATOR: The pot success rate is 94% from

Mark Selby and 97% from Neil Robertson.

What a shot. What an unbelievable pot. That is a player who is

thinking clearly, because if he misses that he would leave Mark

Selby in and look what he would have left. I tell you what, that shot,

what about the cueing on that? It is remarkable. In our conversation with

Hazel just before the start of the match, you wondered, as Mark Selby

has got better as the tournament has gone on but Neil Robertson has been

playing superb snooker since his match against Thepchaiya Un-Nooh and

his 145 and you think, can he keep doing it? The last frame was a

wonderful clearance without opening red. I think he can keep doing it.

Superb snooker. That was a pretty good effort. If

anything he got too much action on it. Watch this, it was never going

to stick in the bunch. Maybe it just caught the wrong red. Still a bit

unlucky to finish up where he did. If you were directly behind it that

might be a comfortable pot. A lot of the top players in the game think

that this Australian is the greatest potter the game has ever seen. They

are not far wrong. He really is something special.

It was very tight. I thought from where he was it would be very

difficult, but have a look at the outcome here. It's like one of your

trick shots JV. Has again been any different? When you are playing at

the top of your form you always seem to get the rub. That fluke has put

him up to 90 B -- 98% pot successful stock the only thing is that he has

not finished on the pink. He cannot get through to that. That would have

been unbelievable if he had finished on the pink and cleared up after

that unbelievable fluke. Ibis are priced if he didn't take their

colour on here. As you say, tremendous potter. Well, he can't

pot them all. Where is the cue ball going to finish? Mark Selby looking

for an easy starter. I think he's got one. Well, I say easy starter,

if that cube all were not so close to the side cushion. He might be to

drop one into the middle behind the pink, maybe the one closest to the

cue ball, this goes. Good shot. He's under a bit of

pressure now. He made breaks of 52 in the first and 55 in the second

and has nothing to show for it. He knows he's playing a man at the top

of his game. When he gets opportunities like this he's got to

make the most of them, his clock and put them this appointment of the

first two frames behind him and concentrate -- he's got to put the

disappointment of the first two frames behind him.

They just need a little bit of sorting out here at the moment.

Very well controlled. He judged the cannon perfectly and getting the

pink back on its spot certainly opens the game up. He needs at least

a 70 Break rather than a 50 break here, you feel. Yes and I just

wonder if the red just below and to the left of the black, if it is

available to the corner this is a great chance. It is. Nothing to do

with the cue ball, you can play for the red and play the black into both

corners. It is an opportunity, you feel he must take.

If he'd been straight on the red into the corner pocket it would be

no problem and he would have played it by now. He knows he has got to

nudge into another red and he is a bit wary of being hampered by the

second red. I think he has let it slip. He could

not play for the pink. Can he get through to the middle of the cue

ball without having to raise the bridge hand? I'm not sure. It's a

bit trickier now. He made certain of the black and I

don't blame him for that. He has not got good position now on the next

red. He didn't want to play that with too much pace. He knew the

black was miss of the. But this red is tricky. -- Mr Balls. He will come

back up for the pink or the black here. He stunned it in rather than

rolling it in. And once again he's left along part for Neil Robertson.

I thought he might have had the angle to roll that in and come off

the bottom cushion, but he played it to hold for the yellow.

He played that in such a way he could leave pink or black. It seemed

to come off the side cushion, the one that Mark Selby had a bad bounce

off. As it hit the cushion it seemed to fly off it.

You just can't afford to make any mistakes against this man, the form

he is in. Now then, once again that has gone a

bit too far. This is awkward. He's going to need the spider if he's

going to take that on. He might be able to take the one to the right of

the pink. He could cut that in but he would be heading up the table.

That's his choice, having to finish on the yellow or the brown if he

can. You would think he would play the

yellow. He has a nice angle on the brown but the brown is missable. 18

points is the lead. A couple of good positional shots

are still needed. The way he's playing you would expect him to win

the frame at this visit, but you can never take anything for granted.

This black will put him 26 points in head, so still needs two of these

remaining reds. It is perfectly on one of them and

the other one is not too badly placed. He doesn't have to concern

himself with the one near his pocket and safe for the moment.

Just a little quick glance at the scoreboard there.

Just wondering whether he should leave a double on the last red. 42

ahead. Double to make absolutely certain.

Hard to play against this sort of snooker. As he was against Stephen

Maguire and John Higgins, he is up. Mark Selby could have won the

opening two frames but he didn't. Neil Robertson is missing precious

little and he leads 3-0. Well, JV, 97% pot success rate. He only missed

couple of pots and they were awkward. Yes. That one he missed he

was slightly hampered by the yellow, so that is forgiveable. The

brown was always a tough shot, just trying to keep the break going. He

did miss one red but flipped another, so does that not count? And

then of course the green. -- flipped another. The thing Steve Davis said

in the studio, he such a good potter, but he has the cue ball on a

piece of string at the moment. His positional play is top drawer, and

unless he gets a bad run of the ball, or a bad split when he plays

the cannon, you don't fancy him missing. And as well as that, he's a

terrific tactical player if needed. So, one more frame to be played

before the mid-session interval. Mark Selby could do with it.

REFEREE: Frame four, Neil Robertson to break.

Mid-session interval after this frame. As Dennis said, Mark Selby

could do with it badly. If he goes into the mid-session interval just

two behind it won't be too bad, but four behind, it's hard to see him

making a comeback from there. I know he is a great battler, but he's

playing a man at the top of his game.

He jumped up straightaway, Mark. He had got too much side on that and

hit it too thick. He had to swerve that a little bit and he knew

straightaway he had hit it a little on the thick side.

I think he had a little trace of side on that but because of the pace

he had on it it didn't come back between the green and brown. It had

a little bit of left hand side on it. Usually that would take it past

the green but it just came off the baulk cushion. But usually the case

when you are playing well and you get a little cannon like that it

works to your advantage. He had the green to the middle. When you are

struggling a little bit and get a cannon like that, you never seem to

finish on anything. He knew he would be lucky to have a

red to the corner pocket. It is the opportunity to bring a few reds into

play. He's played superb this week. In that match against Thepchaiya

Un-Nooh, how times have we seen the missed black from the young man from

Thailand? But up until then Neal was struggling a little bit and he did

well to win the match. But from the moment he made the 145 in the next

frame after the missed black on the maximum he has cued like a dream for

the rest of the tournament. And when he gets these opportunities you feel

unless he runs out of position, or plays a cannon and it doesn't work

out right, you cannot see him dissing anything easy. It is a

frightening prospect if you are his opponent. Can you believe it? He

took his eye off the pot. How often does that happen? It does not happen

very often with Neil Robertson. A sitter off the spot. Commentator's

curse will work every time! It just shows you, even someone like

Neil Robertson, if you lose that little bit of concentration, it's

amazing what you can miss. He did not want that kiss, or he

would have liked to have knocked it over the pocket. He's the wrong side

of the blue now. He played to slip past that and get the right side of

the blue. And now, a little bit of a tester for Mark. He's usually very

reliable on this type of shot. Beautifully played. Probably a

little unlucky if he is straight, black. If he has a little bit of

angle he's OK. He's got a lot of great attributes,

Mark Selby. One of them is his temperament. He could quite easily

have won the two opening frames. He's the sort of player who quickly

forgets that and gets on with things. He was thrown a lifeline

thereby Neil Robertson. Can he take it? You won't see this happen very

often. He just wanted to catch the split of

the two reds. He still has one to be left middle but a little bit tricky.

The one he caught, he caught it full ball, he wanted to catch them

together and then he would have released them all. Should not be a

problem. In the end he decided to play it to the top pocket. That did

surprise me. Obviously he did not feel playing into the middle he

could guarantee position on the colour. So he played it in the top.

It was more difficult. But as I say he felt that was the right shot for

position. He missed the pot. If he takes this red on and he could

come between the yellow and brown and it is quite a thin contact, he

might finish up on the black, believe it or not. He's looking at

an alternate into the right corner. What has missing the black of the

spot done to his confidence? We will find out with this shot.

Absolutely nothing. And a perfect angle on the Bluetooth stunned up

between the brown and green for the easy red. -- perfect angle on the

blue to stun up. They have played each other twice in

the UK Championship. Mark Selby won 6-4 in the quarterfinal in 2012. A

couple of years ago Neil Robertson beat him in the final 10-7. They are

so evenly matched, these two players.

11 points the lead. Awkward red on the right-hand side of the cushion.

I think the one near the middle pocket, as the referee drops his

ball marker... The one near his hand will go into the middle pocket. So

he might not have to play that difficult red. On the side cushion.

Or not need it before he gets to the snookers required stage. It's funny

how matches can go like this. Mark Selby looks reasonable form but he's

lost those first two frames, and now he's struggling. As I've always

said, and I do believe, until you get the first frame on the

scoreboard you never really settled down. -- settle down. It was our old

friend John Pullman who commentated for years on the BBC, ten times

world champion, used to say that as well, you are never settled until

you have first frame on the board. And how true that is. At the moment,

it is looking for all money, that Mark Selby is going to lose these

first four frames. This black would put him 34 points

in front. He still needs two of the remaining reds. But as I say, I'm

sure this one drops into the right middle. OK, you'd like to get right

in behind it. And once again, positional play inch

perfect. He can just drop this in now. But he will need another red.

Red, colour, red required. As I say, perfect position just to

roll it in. He just got a slight angle on the blue. Now, what makes

these two difficult red is easier, he will only need the red. If he can

drop in behind it, drop it in the pocket, he does not need to be

concerned about a colour. I don't know if he can stun it incoming he

hasn't got the angle to do that and he's not going to be on this one.

The one behind a black might have been easier to drop on them but he

felt he had not got the angle to stun up for that one. So, this

fourth frame is not over just yet. 40 behind. Will he get a chance?

I think he will just be happy that he knows he's going to come back to

the table. That is why he's trying his hand is. He knows that Neil

Robertson can't keep this break going now. Not unless he plays the

red along the top cushion. If it was tight against the cushion you would

fancy he could pot it. I think it is just off the cushion,

that red. Yes, it is, so he won't be playing

that one. Not to pot anyway. We say he is the greatest pot of the

game has ever seen. Is this a pot to fire if he takes it on? Look at the

cue ball. He tried to pot it but look where he put the cue ball. He

only needed the red. He needs this red to run. Need it to run past the

middle. That is end of frame. Just a red to go 41 points in front with 35

remaining. It is a dream start for the Australian to be 4-0 up against

Mark Selby. No one could see that coming. Selby has had as many

chances as Neil Robertson, so you would not expect one to be running

away with it. Three snooker is needed now. While there is one red

left on the table you would feel as if you would carry on. You can

always get the frame ball. That is white Neil is quite happy to put the

red in the jaws of the pocket. Gravity to code there. There

red in the jaws of the pocket. no return to the table now for Mark

Selby. He will be on to his dressing room having lost the first four

frames. A proverbial mountain to climb after the interval. That will

be enough. He got nothing out of those first four frames. Robertson

bid if feud mistakes in that frame, but it didn't matter. He leaves at

the interval 4-0. A lot of you contacting us tonight saying that

need Robertson is unplayable, on fire. We are reminded of three years

ago, don't forget it was Neil Robertson who was for the up and

Selby beat him 6-4. Came back back and won the last six games. You

never could this man out. This would be a big ask. If anybody can do it,

Mark Selby candidate. He needs to believe in himself. He has chances.

Just the way the pulse of run. He has not capitalised the right Neil

Robertson has. If there is one player in the game he would back

coming from 4-0 down, it is Mark Selby. He has heart. He will have to

draw on those experiences. He has been kept off the table in the last

couple of frames. In the last one he got in on 21 points and then he

missed the red to the yellow pocket. He put himself under huge pressure.

The whole get deeper for him. He is getting a hiding here. It doesn't

take much for it to swing. There was a big bouncy got that was not a big

bite out of position. Same thing. All of the sudden, it does look as

if Neil Robertson is in the ascendant. He is not totally

unplayable. He hasn't parted everything, but he is very efficient

and most balls. He is at the practice table behind this. That is

the right thing to do. It would be silly sitting in the dirt --

dressing room. We will grab a word with Barry Hearn. He is always

interesting to talk to. I was able to have a brief word with them.

First of all, your assessment of the season so far lesser Mark Adair have

been landmark achievements from Mr Higgins and it has produced winners

like Rory McLeod. Something for everything? The principle is that we

try to bring in a level playing field. We have a seeded top 64, a

random draw for the bottom 64. What it does, if you are good enough, it

gives you the opportunity. My job is to give opportunity. I cannot play

snooker. Even when I used to play I wasn't very good. The system we have

in place now rewards winners. We are trying to breed the next new

generation of winners. What we have seen with that is Michael White come

through. We have seen the fantastic result in Shanghai. Jumped from

number 56 just about into the top 20. That type of the story goes

through snooker like a wildfire, because it shows everyone, you know

what, if he can do it, I can did. The stories keep coming out. Young

David Gilbert getting through. McLeod qualifying for the champion.

The players generally feel now, on their day, there is not so much

difference between the great players and the very good players. Now they

have the opportunity to accelerate their career, change their life and

we have the benefit of watching fabulous matchplay in a competitive

environment. There is a lot of sticker on around the world. The

last five years have been so much fun to try to rebuild the sport, but

it takes the players to rebuild it. They are the ones giving us the

level of entertainment and giving us great media stories as well. The

underdog winning is something we in Britain have always enjoyed. We have

always supported the underdog. We love a story. The new system is

giving us those media stories. It is giving kids the opportunity to live

their dreams as well. You can make a case to say that Neil Robertson

looks like he is coming back to his best. Mark Selby is looking great.

The difference between winning and losing is the smallest margin I have

seen for 20 or 30 years. It is on the date now. It is all about

ability, not about protection. As if to underline that, the evidence was

all -- there for all to see. We've had the most bizarre affording many

of us have ever seen in a major championship. We had to brother

unfancied players in the other semifinal. You will know what I am

talking about. We had David Grace, the lowest ranked semifinalist for

25 years. Liang Wenbo battling through at the expense at the

expense of Trump. They put us through a match that was grilling

and compelling at the same time. After nearly five hours we were

finally in a position to, perhaps, pick a winner. This is intent. Grace

to play. 13 points behind. -- this is frame ten. I am surprised he took

the pot on there because there was no way he could get on the green. At

the moment, 13 is the difference. Leanne needs the other green, the

brown. David needs all the colours. If he has an easy yellow to pot,

there is nothing wrong with potting the yellow and then playing a good

safety shot on the green if he could not get onto it. Then it would be

A-frame for anyone to take. Good life with the cue ball here.

APPLAUSE He has got to be careful here if he

decides to try to send the yellow back up the table. The black could

be an obstacle. He is looking to try to miss the black on the way down.

That is a bit dangerous because it could hit the pink on the way back

up the table. He managed just to avoid the pink, but left a possible

pot for David Gray into this green pocket. -- David Grace. He has a

slight angle on the yellow. It is tough, very, very tough. Just

spotted something on the cue ball there. It is just in his line of

sight. Now, he needs a little bit of good fortune here. He tried to pot

the yellow and move the green there. He thought this might be the only

chance he will get and it was a very ambitious shot, but you cannot blame

him. Just cued across it slightly. There might be a gap here. I will

tell you what. If you can cut the yellow then he will go down and

could possibly bring the green into play. He traded off a very difficult

shot, this is slightly easier than the last attempt, but just as

tough. The natural ankle is there. He could cannon the green pots this.

APPLAUSE Just slipped past it. Now he can

play a telling safely and with the colours in the open it is now

anyone's frame. A good attempt there. He could take the green on

into the bottom right-hand corner pocket, but that be very risky. It

has come down to a green ball game here. David Grace is 11 behind some

people need to, including the black. And it must take on the green here

could be costly. This is going toward the yellow pocket. Oh, it has

just finished almost dead straight. There is no easy safety shot on.

What a situation David is faced with here. Well, what a shock. -- what a

shot. APPLAUSE

He thought the White was in. I thought it was in. What a tremendous

pot that was. He has a chance. We shall see it again. Look how close

that was to going in. There is a chance on this brown. Brilliant.

Absolutely brilliant. I will tell you what, the tension, ...

Absolutely amazing. The pink again. Can you believe it. What an effort.

The green was incredible. The brown was fantastic. It could all have

gone with that one shot. After parting is such a good green and

brown, couldn't see it missing that, to be honest. I thought we would

have another last frame decider, but... You have got to feel sorry

for David. That was such an effort he put in for those colours, but you

have had a great UK Championship David, you have got to be proud of

yourself. Your parents would be proud of you. This black for a place

in the final. And that is what it means to Liang Wenbo. He was 4-2

down. He has won four frames in a row and he gets himself through to

the finals of the UK Championship. What does that mean to the Chinese

player? Well, the answer is on your screen there. Fantastic. So happy.

Today, I started badly. I started the first four frames badly. I was

thinking too much. I note the match. If I win, I can play Masters. The

top 60. It is important to me. After they changed the ranking, I have

only three matches in the top ranking. When that pink is forgotten

about, it was a phenomenal tournament. It could be a life

changing tournament. If it keeps me on the top, I was never coming into

this. If he had offered me this at the start of the week I would have

bitten your. Now, no pressure. Just to have a good time, enjoy the game.

That is it. Congratulations, David Grace. He will be thinking about

that Mr pink all night. He acquitted himself so well. He did. Three

days. The rest of your life. He was so close to getting it. It was

magnificent back into that frame at the end. He nearly did it. He has

been a breath of fresh air. Hopefully it keeps inside the top 64

so he does not have to qualify next year. It is tied in that pot of the

ranking. What about Liang Wenbo? He went through the mill. It was

excruciating to watch. He was pulling faces, slapping himself. He

was so pondered it wasn't funny. 80 of those slabs, I could feed them in

the commentary box. It was bizarre. You could tell how much it meant to

him. He spent three months in the top 16 once. Now he is back in

there, he can play in the Masters and he was feeling the pressure. You

felt for him a little bit. He also felt for a David Grace who had to

sit through it as well. It was hard for him to watch. He is in the

final. There is no pressure on him tomorrow. He can go and enjoy it and

I hope he does and plays the way he can play because he is a very good

player. He will be a massive second favourite in a matter which of these

guys he plays tomorrow. Will that happen? It can, but it is all about

the day really. A lot of the time, a player eventually crumbles in the

final if they have not had enough experience there. Liang Wenbo has

had a bit of experience, but he has the talent which is the most

important thing. You see some of the situations we see ourselves in. The

best player doubles the score of the other one. I am not absolutely sure

how it will go. He will not be under pressure, he said that himself. A

little bit of criticism about the shake hands at the end. He was so

excited, do not think David Grace would have been upset. It was just

the excitement. It was a strong handshake. There has been some

reaction from players about that. They said he could have stood him in

the eye and given him more respect. Perhaps the moment overcame him.

When players lose they like to look the other player in the eye. I think

he just got a little bit excited and I would not red too much into it. I

do not think he was being disrespectful, but it is something

to learn for the future. Which one of these men will be be seeing with

them tomorrow in the final tomorrow? At the moment, Neil Robertson is

bossing this semifinal. Is there any way back for Mark Selby? You might

think so, he has done it before. Let's find out. Explain to us that

he did do it before. 4-0 behind and can he repeat that performance? That

is a good break of shot. I like that break of shot. He has opened five or

six red top. It is a shame that one has landed on the black. Just an

hour and 15 minutes and counting. Still 94% and 92%. Great pot success

rates, but it is 4-0. But at that long pot success rate. -- look at.

93% with the safety success. This is far from easy. Bit of a chance.

Looking at the ankle he has, he is just running away from the green. I

do not know if he can drop it in. This was a tough pot. He is going to

have to force it in. He has tried to drop it in, but it means he has got

to take the brown. The pink is tied up. The black is tied up. He can get

through to a spread at the right of the black. Just having a look at the

position. He may be able to can be able to cannon the black. Just

having a look at the position. He may be able to cannon the back into

play but he when it is re-spotted. He will not get a much better chance

than this to play the cannon and try to bring the black into play. I

think he is OK. I think he can just push through and get that red out of

the way. Go. He has just overdone it. Quick bridging now. Good

recovery there. Much more difficult than it looked, that is for sure.

Absolutely. He was just too full for position on the black. He will know,

he will have been in his dressing room at the interval, and training

as he is, he will know that when he gets a chance he has got to take it.

He has got to play no misses from here on in. He was just looking for

an easy red to continue and he has not got that. He has got a choice of

a couple of friends, but they are tricky. Then cut back to the corner.

That looks to be his choice, but it is not straightforward. He needs to

control the tuple to be on a colour. -- cue ball. That is not a bad case

on the second red. That has helped him. But the yellow. Nothing to do

with the tuple to be on the next red. He would settle for that. How

many times have we seen the mid-session interval change things

around. The 2012 quarterfinal here in the UK Championship. Need lead

4-0 at the mid-session interval and Mark Selby won the match 6-4. Maybe

at the mid-session interval, Mark was thinking those thoughts about

what he did three years ago. Nice angle on the blue. Decision time.

There is a red to play for, but he has a perfect angle to go into them

should he so wished. There is another red available. That is why

he didn't play the cannon. Pot in this he will be running through the

reds. No guarantee of position here. He is just about on the blue. The

red gone up on the blue has been the positional side of the shot very

easy. This is going to come up a little bit short for him. In fact,

so shortly will have to go in and out of the block area. He mustn't

catch one of the colours on the way around here. And can you believe it?

49 in front and because he didn't get the correct side of the blue,

hammered it and it was in the pocket a couple of times, just the place to

get back out of the pocket. It happened in the first frame when

he made 52 and in the second frame when he made a break of 55. The blue

was so close, but at that pace it has got to be right in the heart of

the pocket. It was a poor positional shot on the blue, it has to be said.

I think when the blue comes out like that, it's the fact that the ball is

probably bouncing and it has hit the leather at the back. You could see

it bounced two or three times. The Australian is in again here.

It won't be the easiest run to the finish line in this frame, 40 points

behind. If he leaves himself in a position needing blue and pink that

will cause a big problem. With the blue being awkward, and the pink.

He's got to get on the next positional shot in such a way he can

keep getting back for the black because of the blue and pink, as

John mentioned, awkward. Perfect to get through for the black again.

Much better playing for the loose red. I'm not sure if one of those

two is available to the right corner pocket. If not he will still be able

to cannon into one of them for the black.

Just looking at that angle I think it is going to have to be the

cannon. The left of the two reds would be better, half ball, not

fourball. Could play for the right-hand one, just depends how he

sees it. He has missed it, can you believe it? A reprieve. It has to be

said that was a straightforward cannon he wanted, he did not want to

hit the red full ball, and he missed it altogether. I think he was

desperate to catch the rate the little bit thinner so he could get

on a red to come back for the black. If he could have got two reds and

two blacks he would only have needed up to and including the blue. There

is no excuse for missing the cannon. Mark Selby will come back to the

table and he will still hold a 17-point lead.

Just over the minute, thinking time. He's a little bit concerned that

when he plays this safety he's going to leave the pot on one of the reds

unless he gets it covered with one of the baulk collars. Let's see if

he can avoid it. He's got a good cue ball there. Excellent cue ball. I

tell you what, another roll it would have nestled on to the right corner

of the pocket and it would have been a snooker. Sometimes you see that

happen. We saw it earlier in the week.

Total mis-hit. Is he going to fluke the red? What a fluke that is. A

total mis-hit. And Niall wasn't smiling. Mark was looking at a meal

having a little smile -- Neil wasn't smiling. What a result that was.

This is just going to pass the pink, but it's a tricky one. He can just

about see enough of it. Another 6-8 inches and it would have been

perfect. It's one of these shops where he will take it on, I imagine

-- shots. But it's into a blind pocket and that is what you fear.

You can see the object ball but the pocket is right out of your vision.

So you've got to pick a spot, or play a snooker, but is the snooker

guaranteed? The pot could win him the frame.

We will know before he does. They are not easy. As I say, playing them

into a blind pocket. So, the fluke he had on the second to last red was

not a frame-winner. I tell you what, he was

there. He played to cannon the blue out. Make no mistake, he had eyes on

just flicking the blue. He could quite easily play a snooker here if

he rolls to the green. He's 20 points behind. I think it's the only

shot for him. He did the two cushion get out,

baulk cushion and side cushion, and hope to knock it safe. You're never

guaranteed, no matter how good you are, of getting out of snooker Pulu

Mac. It's tough to know how they are going to finish -- getting out of

snookers. He will settle for this. He could not have hoped for much

better. He can play the safety shot, just a little bit sticking

out. A tap on the table from Mark. That

was an excellent length from Neil on that safety. There is not as much

pressure on the mark at the moment with the safety, because he will

know the blue and pink and the way the black is situated are a bit of

insurance for him. Whereas Neil Robertson knows that one mistake and

Mark Selby just needs yellow, green and brown.

The problem you always have with this shot is you have got to be very

wary of the double-kiss. If you are playing across the yellow and trying

to send it back across the table the double-kiss can always be on. He

decided to play cushion first, so just a containing safety. I'm sure

Neil Robertson would like to play safety shots at some time and try

and bring blue and ink into the middle of the table. The main

priority there was to get the yellow safety. He could not be much safer

than this. -- blue and pink into the middle of the table. You'd have to

say, it is a must win frame for Mark Selby. At 5-0 you would not give him

much hope. At 4-1 he would have a bit of a chance to battle his way

back into this semifinal. Just OK. Another couple of rolls and

it would have been left on to the middle.

Trying to run the yellow into the black. He didn't do it. And with a

20-point lead, yellow and green needed, will he take this yellow

on? It is make your mind up time. The

blue and pink, as we keep saying, both awkward. Will he risk this?

There is your answer. He has hit it far too thin. There is a chance here

and he won't cannon into the black, I think he can miss the pink on the

way back. No, he's missed one of his trademark

pots. But he hasn't left an easy yellow, that's for sure.

He was not tempted by the yellow. He didn't get the yellow safe, though.

It is a beautiful pot but the cue ball needs to slow up. He's not on

the green. He's looking accusingly at the top cushion, he thinks he got

a little bit of a flyer off it. Can he hit the green? Is he snooker it?

18 points behind. I think he is snookered. He will have to come off

the cushion and hopefully hit the green half ball and sent the white

up the table and send it down the other end.

He will settle for that. This is not straightforward. You might think it

is easy to get a snooker in behind the blue. But that would be very

risky because he would have to make sure the green was safe just in case

he didn't get in behind the blue. That is why he's giving this a bit

of thoughtful stop it is a bit of a quandary. The last thing he wants to

do is bring the blue into play. He could have a go at the pot on the

green. If he could get it in the jaws it might be worth having a go.

Green and brown needed. That is what he's going to do, the way he was

looking at it. Well, it could not be much closer. And look at that,

perfect on the brown. Dear me, that was close. A little less space and

I'm sure that would have gone in. That's the angle he is faced with if

he can pot the green. He's missed a few now. Although he's leading 4-0,

just in this frame alone he's missed a few. They were not easy pots by

any means but he would normally have knocked them in.

Well, quite a bit of tension in this very important fifth frame. This

green might go close to the right corner pocket, if not it will go

over towards the black. He's played it well. He may have the snooker

here. Very good shot. I think he can swerve around the

brown. What he needs to do is get right in behind the green. He is

coming off the side cushion. Is he going to play it with pace and try

and kick the green up the other end of the table? That is what he's

trying. He could not have hit it much better, but he's gone towards

the corner pocket, and of course come of this frame has taken on a

different complexion now because the pink is no longer safe. There is

only one problem ball, that is the blue. So, this could be the chance

that Neil Robertson has been looking for.

That really is superb. The white was almost tight on the cushion and he

has not only potted the green, he's left the angle on the brown. Worth

another look, terrific cueing, and he has enough angle to swing the

brown and offer couple of questions, and if he could drop

their maybe he could just roll the blue into the middle. It is very,

very tight. This is key in this match, it really is.

Now, how is your luck? Well, not the best. This is so tough. If he takes

this on with the rest. Mark Selby looking at Neil. If it goes in it is

a frame-winner because he would be on the pink in such a way that he

could get back up to the black. Big, big shot coming up.

I think the way to play this is not really play it with too much pace

and try and get a good angle. If you finish this side of the pink you

could always run in and out of baulk, but the more pace he puts on

this the less likely the blue is to drop. But it has done. Now what sort

of angle has he got on the pink? What a blow this is to Mark Selby.

If he's got enough angle he can come off the side cushion and get to

where the line is to leave an easy black. He might be able to screw

there. He had the angle but he hasn't got as close to the black as

he wanted. We've seen him drop a black in in an earlier frame dead

weight, but there is a bit more pressure on this one. This for 5-0.

It's there. You just can't keep this Australian down. Mark Selby looked

odds on with the way the colours were that he would win this frame,

but Neil Robertson is marching on to the final and he leads 5-0. A lot

for Mark to think about. And, three out of five frames so far

have been steals from Neil Robertson. The way he went about the

final break, the blue with the rest was a beautiful shot. Amazing shot,

and they are so close which makes it even more difficult. They are so

tight, but straight in the heart of the pocket, and the black was not a

guinea. He looked like he got out of position, the way he played that

dead weight, that is a sign of a player who is rock solid when it

comes to the pressure shots. You could have forgiven him for finding

it hard to get the white down the table. Lots of players would have

made sure the white was down the other end and the black would have

more chance to wobble but he dropped it in dead weight. He has Mark Selby

in a hole here. Mark Selby has not capitalised and he's got in first on

a number of occasions. Three times, 49 in the last frame, always around

the 50 mark. I was looking at the records and the biggest victory Neal

has had over Mark is 5-1 in the Premier League, not at this stage in

a sunny final, but this is some going against the man who has

pummelled the opposition throughout the last week, Selby. -- Neil. It

was a magnificent performance. Those frames that you win that you

shouldn't really win, take it out of your opponent. Marked just has to

take it. It is hard sitting there knowing each be 3-2 to Selby on the

chances. This couldn't be a whitewash, could it?

COMMENTATOR: Neil Robertson breaks off and makes a decent break. If you

don't leave the pot on that is good enough. I think thoughts of winning

this match are disappearing for Mark Selby now. But what he has got to

do, and there is no better player in the modern game than Mark Selby at

just digging in now. As I say, don't think about winning. He will be

playing for a bit of pride, obviously. He doesn't want to have

the dreaded whitewash. You feel the way Neil Robertson is playing he

will get at least two or three chances, and he's going to take one

of them. He will want to get the match over

as quickly as possible. He's got the best of 19 in the final against

Liang Wenbo, if he can win this match. He should win the match. But

the quicker he does it the better for him. He can relax a bit. They

had a late start. Coming up to 9:50pm. This match has not been slow

by any means. That is a great shot, he has a

terrific length on the cue ball. He has also brought the black

interplay. There is a gap back down the table,

left side. He was up very quick, he knew he had hit it too thick. There

may not be a pot on that would tempt Neal, but that safety play, and Mark

knows it, is not good enough against this man. And he did leave the red.

Look at that, we always say when you are playing well you get a nice run

of the ball, he could not finished better on the blue. Yes, when you

are struggling you hit the red and Finnish tight on a question

somewhere. It has always been the way. -- finish tight. It is the same

in any sport, when you are flying you get the run of the ball. I think

the pink might be available but the black is now tied up. I think the

pink goes in the right corner pocket. But is it sitting on its own

spot, or are those two reds closer to it? Usually the pink spot is in

line with the corner pocket and the middle pocket. That will not go on

there, that's for sure. So, behind those five reds in a

straight line with the blue and black for the referee. He made a

great call in the David Grace Liang Wenbo final frame when there were

three or four misses and David missed the escape by a fraction and

he didn't call a mess and Martin Gould agreed and it was a great

call. Lots of people were tweeting about it in the restaurant I

call. Lots of people were tweeting But people congratulated the referee

using the discretion to decide he could not do much better than he was

doing. I didn't actually see the situation. But everybody seems to

have said that Terry Camilleri made the right decision. Talking to

Martin Gould last night, he said he is the referee and it's up to him.

He took the decision on the chin. That's what they are therefore. Not

only to keep the score and pull the balls out of the pockets.

Occasionally they have to make a decision.

Good pot, just the wrong side of the blue, so there is not much available

to mark. As we saw in the previous frame when he hammered the blue it

jumped out of the pocket. Will this one stay in? He nearly flicked it --

Farook to -- fluked it. He's got away with it. He's going to keep on

trying but the way he played that shot was maybe a little despondent.

When you get into the situation Mark is in you are trying to make things

happen, of course, the game is tough enough as it is. But this has all of

the hallmarks of being a scrappy frame at the moment. As I said, he's

got to forget the scoreboard, the scoreline, and take one frame as it

comes and then see what happens. And if he's still here in a couple of

hours he will be back in the match. Good prediction there, JV!

He has left the red along the top cushion, he has left a red to the

centre. These are tricky if you are going to play them at case. When

they are just off the cushion like that, unless you drop them in dead

weight, I do not think they go in at Pierce at all. There is a chance

here for Mark to play a cannon onto the pink and red Sea when potting

this one. That is what he tried and he has missed the point. If he had

hit the pink and the red he would have had a big smile, he would have

opened the game up. Just misjudged it. He doesn't usually misjudged

that type of shot. As you said, it will be a scrappy frame by the looks

of things. Simply because of the black on the side cushion and there

is only the brown on its own spot. How often do you see that? All the

colours of their spots, with the exception that brown. -- off their

spots. The brown has come to Neil

Robertson's rescue there. It is not a straightforward safety shot this.

That is why he decided to play the pot. He manoeuvred the tuple in such

a position that the only red he could leave is the one he was

playing. Clever. The safety was too difficult and he thought he may get

a pot. Well, that was equally as clever. He didn't quite bring the

black into play, but it is in a better position now. He purposefully

played to cannon the black out. He screwed past the yellow to cover

that red to the right of the yellow. This semifinal hasn't been all about

big bricks. -- big bricks. Not a lot to play behind at the other end of

the table. Just the low Nick Browne up there. -- just the loner brown.

APPLAUSE Justified applause for that. Once

again, asking a big question. I always remember the first time I saw

Neil Robertson play. They give him a place in the Masters. He played

Jimmy White. All he was there was a potter. He had no B game. It just

shows how he has improved over the seasons. He cannot be a world

champion, UK champions, Masters champion, as he has become just by

being able to pot. You need an all-round game and he certainly

developed that over the years. He is the ultimate professional. He is 5-0

in front and he is not thinking of any risky shots. He may have to have

a go at this. Now, if this red to the right of the blue passes the

other red, we will have a situation where there is not one colour on the

spot. Maybe that red doesn't go past the other red for the corner.

Clearly, it pots, but look at the ankle he has got. He cannot get

position of that. I have never seen a table like this before. It really

is strange. Not a ball of the other end of the table. How often would

you say that? -- see that. The black is in the way. Down the right side

of the table. It is coming up to two hours. A feud minutes left in this

frame. -- a few minutes. Oh, now then, he has caught the middle

pocket. This could have changed things. If he misses the middle

pocket up in the right corner, he will be perfectly safe. What is Mark

Selby feeling like? Not that good at the moment. That will take a bit of

sorting out, this situation, because neither of the players out there

will have ever seen a table like this. There is no possible way back

down the table, he might just have the knowledge into the reds here. --

nudge. That was all he could do. There is a gap between the green and

the brown for Mark to get the table. I can tell you one thing for

certain, he will not be getting a snooker. There is nothing up there.

Just the cushion. That is what he is looking for. That was a bit

careless. OK, we know the way the polls are situated. I don't see many

frames pan out this way. There is a pot to the right corner. There is

one to the left corner. You would think that green and brown would be

the colours he would be looking to get on. The possibility to get on

the pink. It is one of those situations. If you have a cab back

down the table, there is no point in potting a red because you are only

putting yourself in trouble. Very strange freedom. -- frame. That

black is just awkward for the skip down the right side of the table.

You could cannon into that. That is why he is choosing the one to the

left. -- for the escape. Look at the Tube. Look at the length on the cue

ball. Mark is going to be forced into trying to pot this red. Looking

at the colours, it would be green or brown he will drop on. Brilliant. He

is on the brown. Fabulous shot there. That has resolved this very,

very awkward situation. Some pot from Tate on the cushion, I can tell

you. -- plate on the cushion. -- plate. He could play for the black

of this red but I do not know where the black would go when it is

re-spotted. He has decided to play for the green. Can he get a little

cannon here? Oh, he has hit the wrong red. If he got the talent on

the one he wanted he would have brought the pink into play. He is

trying to get past that red. He was going to leave one into the right

corner, but it has all gone wrong. When you are struggling, that

happens. When you're playing well you always get the correct contact

case. -- contact or case. It is a little more normal now with the

green and the brown on their own spots. It must have been declared a

touching ball. A pretty good safety. He certainly made it awkward for

need to get back to the book end. I think he might just be able to get

off that one that is on the black spot.

APPLAUSE When he misjudged the cannon the

last time he was at the table, he did develop the pink in a way that

it is pottable. To get position on the pink of this red he would have

to drop it in dead weight. It would be a risky way to play it. He is

probably of a mind that you have got to make things happen. Well, decided

to play it with Pierce, now he needs a bit of luck. Is this red, so tied

to the pink, go? There are each set, this is a chance. If the pink goes

as well the black is on for the middle, for this is a great chance

for the Australian. The game has opened up with the last shot that

Mark played. The red was a bad distraction there. He had to play

but with side. I still expected him to knock it in. He couldn't get to

the middle of the cue ball. He had to put a bit of unwanted side on.

They say when you are trying to get back in a match, and particularly

when you are this far behind, you could do with a bit of help from

your opponent. A little help from my friend. I have heard that before. He

has got to take this chance now. Two of his supporters club there. I

think they just want Mark to get a frame on the board. The last thing

anyone would want is a whitewash. The Robertson wouldn't mind it. --

Neil Robertson. He has got to be pretty accurate with the next

position. The red is over the pocket and the one just above the red and

blue is available into the right corner. I must admit, I was

surprised with that choice of shot. He could've played the other red but

he was frightened he might lose position on the black. Now he has a

bit of work to do with the cue ball. That is not perfect by any means. I

think he will have to get up for the green or brown again, because it is

such a thing cut. There are still a couple of red available. The one

behind the black also goes, as does the one I mentioned just above the

red and blue. We all know how difficult this game is when you are

having to send the tuple from one end of the table to the other, it is

very hard to get pinpoint position and that is what he will need here.

This will need to run. I don't think the red passes the blue. I can't see

this break going on much longer. He is looking to see if he can pave

this off the pink. Surely not? He is brilliant at this type of shot, but

I think that would be the wrong shot altogether. He want to have a go at

it, doesn't he? And he is going to attempt it. Totally the wrong choice

there from Mark Selby. In the end he didn't even catch the pink. Trying

to put that red ink of the pink was definitely the wrong choice. Had the

scores have been level he would not have attempted that. Not cleanly in

the pocket, that is why he is not nicely on the pink. It went in-off

the right job there. -- sure there. The fact he is not nicely on the

pink it means he cannot hold for that red between black and yellow.

Not as straight forward now as it would have been had he been nicely

on this link. -- pink. That is what happens when you get slightly out of

position. It is a snowball effect. He looked at the black and yellow

with the red, it is far too risky. That just demonstrates the mindset

of the two players. Neil Robertson, 5-0 in front, not taking any undue

risk. Mark Selby trying to play the red in-off the pink. Trying to make

things happen, trying to affect the run of the ball is in some way. Mark

cutting the safety shot much too thick. The green has come to his

rescue. His lead of 17 doesn't mean a great deal now. Look at the

colours are situated. They are all in open play. His turn to hit it a

bit thick this time. This red passes the blue. People get a terrific

round of applause if he knocks this one in. -- he will get. Just gone

too far. Now then, as you said earlier, if this match was close I

do not think he would take this green on, he would play a little

roll up. Will he play the right shot this time? Will he play for the red?

This time he is playing the right shot. He just doesn't hit it hard

enough. He just needed if feud more rows. -- a feud more rows. He knew

that pushing the green your decide cushion was no harm to Mark, because

if it does get a chance on the last red and a high value collar, the

yellow would put him in the state required stage. -- snooker required

stage. A frame ball by the likes of things. He can take the brown. -- a

frame ball. 22 the difference. A pink and a red with help them. Well,

that is just the scoreline that is doing that. He could be in big

trouble here. You don't see him miss many of those. He can get behind the

black, but the red might go into the blue. That is his problem. It is a

straightforward snooker to leave the wide with the red is. If he hits the

blue, who knows where the red would go. If he misses that middle

pocket, he had the snooker. Wouldn't it be ironic if Mark knocked this

red in? He didn't even attempt it and I don't blame him. He has got

the snooker, so this time playing the correct shot. Didn't force the

issue that time. He could have got a snooker back here. You never really

know where they are going. 22 behind, 35 remaining. You would

think if he can naturally pot the red he could get position. This is

the longest frame of the match by a long way. All because of where the

balls went. There was nothing at the other end of the table. He nearly

got the snooker behind the black, not sure he was playing that. Was he

trying to bring the pink off this side cushion? He has not put Mark in

real difficulty. Even for somebody like Mark Selby, it is difficult in

these positions to keep positive thoughts despite being a good

fighter. Ever since missing the free ball he has played the correct shops

and not panicked. He looks like he is up for the fight.

He hit that too thin. Otherwise he had a chance to get in behind the

black. So this time he will have to take the pot on, and it looks dead

straight. Well, you can't get your breath, and

it is a free ball. How can you not the pink and from that situation? It

is absolutely incredible Wahab and there. OK, he didn't get near the

pot but to knock the pink in and leave a free ball, quite amazing. It

is a tough pot just to knock it in without planting it into the pocket.

All of a sudden he has a choice. He can play a snooker, push the green

interplay. Just push the green towards the middle pocket and get

the snooker. He has gone favourite. He got such a kick there. The green

is still in play. Very nicely judged. You just feel at

the moment that Neil Robertson has the upper hand in the safety

exchange. This frame is for the match, of course, for the

Australian. He is having the green cleaned as well after the heavy

contact he had on it previously. There is a good chance of a snooker

here. That is a poor shot from Neil, it

really is. This red will cut. He will have to

be a little bit careful of the right pocket. He maybe needs a little

touch of side on it. He will settle for this. All of a sudden he's

starting to get a good run of the ball, but is it all too late?

Neil Robertson has just lost his edge, it appears to me. I was saying

before that Mark Selby probably thinks he has lost this match, just

trying to hang on in there and Neil Robertson probably thinks he's won

the match. Just about hit the red, but no good because he's left it.

Mark Selby comes to the table with a 16 -point lead. Red, black and the

yellow and he would not need the green. Snookers would be required.

Anything less than the black and he will need yellow and green.

Unwanted kiss on the blue. He tried to run past the blue. Looking at the

scoreboard. If he pots the black he will only need the yellow.

Does it reach? Would you believe it? It just needed a fraction more pace

to come off the cushion. Incredible. He wanted to make sure

he held for the yellow and he just underhit it. He thought it was in.

It is all about the green ball now. Mark had a look at the black on the

way past, as if to say, how did you stop there?

That is what we call a green ball fight, and at the moment advantage

goes to Neil Robertson, you would have to say. Another inch there and

it would have been difficult. Still not very inviting. You don't want to

swerve it too much, you could knock the black in. He's swerved it that

much he will land in the gap and the miss will be called. There is no

reason for Neil Robertson not to have it replaced. Yes, there is not

enough room for him to hit the green from behind. It is too close to the

cushion. What a delicate shot he was trying from there. He's just saying

to the referee, it was further to the left as we look at it, which

makes it more difficult for him. But it's still advantage Neil

Robertson. A little thin one and he could play the snooker behind the

blue also. Fun and games now. Fun and games at the Barbican. I don't

know if he can get the green away from the black. He might just be

able to send the green up the table without knocking the black in.

Well, big round of applause for that, but we've seen what Neil

Robertson is capable of. He's tight on the cushion again. He might...

How many times has he knocked a shot like that in? Mark looks at Neil as

if to say, where did you get that from? Tight on the cushion, quite

amazing how many of those he knocks in. Has he got an angle to get up to

leave the blue for the right corner, JV? That is the problem because the

black is over the corner pocket and he's got to play for it in the

opposite corner. He has a nice angle but he has got to avoid the case on

the pink and judge the weight of it. This looks absolutely inch

perfect. He needs blue, pink and black. But the black is not a

problem. Mark Selby's race looks to have been run if this blue goes in.

And it does. So, it's been a match where Mark Selby will feel that he

has had enough chances to run this very close. Neil Robertson has been

playing great throughout the tournament, but Mark Selby,

particularly in the first couple of frames had opportunities and didn't

take them. And at this level sometimes just that one opportunity

is all you need. So, this black for the whitewash, 6-0. Mark is off his

seat and ready to shake his hand. Because, he was never going to miss

that. Neil Robertson, the fall man of the tournament, you have to say,

but -- form man. Mark Selby Mr chance early to run him close. This

is the man of the moment and the man of the season, Neil Robertson and

he's through to the final of the Betway United Kingdom championship,

beating the world number 16-0. -- Mark Selby missed a chance. 6-0,

very hard to hear for Mark Selby. That was a powerful performance from

Neil Robertson. I don't think there is too many people who watch the

game that would have predicted that scoreline tonight. We thought it was

going to be close. There were lots of close frames in it, no doubt come

and it could have been a closer match but I feel the difference

between the two players, Neil Robertson took his chances better.

Mark Selby had his chances but wasn't clinical enough. At the top

of the show we set Neil Robertson has been scoring more heavily than

Mark Selby through the week and that maybe the difference. Stealing those

frames, even better to make a century break. 52, 55 and 49 and it

was four steals in the end that did it for him. In hindsight it's the

inner confidence they both have at the moment. Neil Robertson is in the

ascendancy. I think Mark Selby has just lost a bit. I don't think the

match against Jamie Jones instilled enough confidence in him. He got off

the hook in that match but it was probably nagging away from him -- at

him that it was a poor performance. It's nice to play all the time and

that gives you inner confidence. He's coming in, congratulations,

Neil, none of us predicted that scoreline. How much more that

scoreline. How much more did it I think I added Selby in his own game.

I kept winning frames and made a good few clearances, I was over the

moon to be 4-0 up. On reflection it could quite easily have been 2-2. So

it was a bit of a different match. There weren't great chances, but I

thought I took my chances pretty well towards the business end of the

frames. There was a couple of blacks that showed how confident you were

along the top cushion. You didn't hit hard at them, you just rolled

them in dead weight. You must have felt in good shape to drop them into

give the pocket the best chance to take the black. Yes, one of my

favourite players growing up was Mark Williams and he always just

rolled the black in. I've always had that philosophy, just roll it in and

if it misses and goes over the pocket so what, give the pocket

every chance, don't try and stun it in. In that case, in the clearance

in the fifth when you took the blue on with the rest and eventually came

around, with the black at the end as you said, was that the key moment,

your favourite moment from the match? Yes, it was a big shot. A few

years ago I may have played safe but I'm much more positive now, trying

to go about it like Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins. Whenever

they get the chance to win the frame they go for it. I did that and it

paid off. It was a strange match to win 6-0 but I will not complain. I

was going to say, nobody with predicted 6-0. But when you make

some of those steals and some of the dreams you made of the top cushion,

rolling them in, even in the last frame, they really hurt your

opponent, don't they? Yes, they do, they are crucial shots, that on your

date if you get them they can really hurt and today was my day. And if

you nick the frames like that it is even more good for your confidence,

it's better than making a century break in a way. It is weird because

I was aggressive tonight. I missed a few balls but I didn't really care

because I showed my intentions, I'm going for my shots here, so you

better not yours in because if you don't I'm going to keep going and

clear up. And with Selby we were recording a quarterfinal here three

years ago and he came steaming back and beat you 6-4 after being 3-0

behind. I think Mark Selby and John Higgins are the worst players to

have a big lead against, especially Mark because if you play a scrappy

frame that might go for 30 or 40 minutes, he can quickly slot back

into gear a lot quicker than some other players. I was very wary of

that and to keep playing positive shots, even if they were safety

shots, always try and create the frame-winning opportunity or a

scoring opportunity. You have beaten Selby and Higgins to get into this

final and now it's Liang Wenbo. I'm not sure what your perspective was,

you thought you were on at 7pm and you were hanging around. This is an

incredible moment for Liang Wenbo getting over the line against David

Grace. You have played him seven times and always had the upper hand.

What kind of character are you up against tomorrow? It looked like he

had a trampoline! He's a great character and I really love the guy.

That did not look that great but he's so relieved and there are

millions of people in China watching. And also that was to get

into the Masters. There is an awful lot of pressure on him. I'm happy

for him from that point of view. It is unlucky for Michael White but I

will do my best to get the result tomorrow. You will be the

overwhelming favourite, are you aware of that? Yes, I've been there

before. The Masters final, Sean was a better player than Liang Wenbo but

everyone saw me as the favourite there and if you don't play well you

can get turned over by anybody, as this tournament shows. I've got to

go about my work and convince myself I have got to play really well to

win. We wish you well and look forward to seeing you tomorrow. 1pm

is the start time. It has been a heck of a day and thank you if you

shared all of it with us, since 1pm this afternoon, ten hours on the

air. It was a great day. We will catch you for the final act 1pm

tomorrow. See you then, bye. 'Being a British guy

in 2015 is not easy.'