Robertson advances to eighth Champion of Champions semi-final

Neil Robertson booked his place in a third successive Champion of Champions semi-final on Tuesday with a 6-3 victory over Jak Jones.

The Thunder, who qualified for the popular invitational event via the ranking list, is through to the last four for an eighth time, having progressed as the Group Four winner.

Robertson, champion of this tournament in 2015 and 2019, opened his latest quest to complete a hat-trick of titles in Leicester with a 4-2 win over Women’s World champion Panchaya Channoi.

The Australian then recovered from 2-0 down, winning six of the last seven frames to overcome Jones, who had defeated 2021 champion Judd Trump earlier in the day at the Mattioli Arena.

“When the schedule comes out for the season, this is one [event] you want to be in,” Robertson told ITV Sport.

“I’ve been fortunate to come in through the back door, where I didn’t actually win an event to qualify. I’m definitely taking the luck, but today, I thought I played really solid stuff.

The match against Jak, I was able to get the momentum and take the match away from him. My break-off was causing him a lot of problems. It’s really effective, and I’m really happy with how my game is.

“I feel as though every time I come to the table, if I can pot a red, I feel as if I’m going to clear the table, or do enough to win the frame. That’s been reflective of the last few matches I’ve played – a lot of heavy scoring and frames won in one visit. Today, I won quite a few really big frames with good breaks.”

Robertson lost the opening frame against 18-year-old Channoi, who was seeking his first ever victory on the main tour, but quickly took control with breaks of 58, 84 and 73.

The Thunder was given a scare when his opponent recovered from 53-7 down to steal frame five, before building a 51-0 lead as she looked to set up a decider.

However, the two-time champion knocked in a brilliant long red, which paved the way to a match-winning contribution of 80.

That set up a showdown with former Crucible finalist Jones, who was appearing in the event for the first time as a tournament winner, following his triumphs at the Championship League and British Open.

The Welshman recovered from 2-0 and 3-2 down to prevail 4-3 against Trump, condemning the Ace to another early exit and only his third defeat in the group semi-final at the Champion of Champions.

Jones pinched the opening frame of the group final on the black, punishing his opponent’s loose safety on the last red, and went 2-0 up with a break of 80.

The Silent Assassin had another chance early in frame three, but a missed brown allowed Robertson to respond with runs of 61 and 62, before a stunning 130 completed the turnaround.

Jones, effectively been frozen out for three frames, hit back well with a magnificent 133, but the Thunder took the next three to book a last-four date with Chris Wakelin.

“I love the way Chris plays,” Robertson added. “He’s all attacking and every time I play him, even when I’ve been beat, it’s been played in really good spirits. I’m really happy to see him do really well. He practises so hard, and he’s good for the game. I always enjoy the matches with him.”

WATCH THE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS STREAMED LIVE HERE

18+ | T&Cs Apply | Geo restrictions may apply | Please Gamble Responsibly

Champion of Champions 2026 | Group Four Results

Tuesday November 10

Semi-Finals
Neil Robertson 4-2 Panchaya Channoi
Judd Trump 3-4 Jak Jones

Final
Neil Robertson 6-3 Jak Jones