Wakelin roars past Robertson to reach Champion of Champions final
Wakelin claimed the scalp of another World champion in Leicester (Credit: Matchroom Multi-Sport)
Chris Wakelin booked his place in the 2026 Champion of Champions final, following an impressive 6-2 victory over Neil Robertson on Friday.
The world number 12, in only his second appearance at this tournament, booked his place in Sunday’s showpiece at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, where he will play either Shaun Murphy or Kyren Wilson.
Wakelin shared the opening four frames with two-time champion Robertson, who was appearing in his eighth Champion of Champions semi-final.
However, the two-time ranking event winner went into overdrive after the mid-session interval, with his opponent potting just a single ball in the final three frames.
“Neil and I have had some great battles over the last couple of years, and I know that I’ve got to play near my best to win,” Wakelin told ITV4.
“The last frame, I did genuinely feel nervous. That’s the first time I’ve felt nervous in a match for quite some time. I should’ve won frames five and six in one visit, and made it a little bit easier for myself.
“These are massive events that, five years ago, I could never see myself qualifying for. So, to be here in the final of such a prestigious and huge event is a great honour for me. It’s exciting times.
“I trust my game. I believe I’m in the top 16 now for a reason. I’ve still got a lot to prove myself, but I feel like I am going in the right direction.”
Wakelin was fresh from a 6-2 victory in Monday’s Group One final against reigning champion Mark Selby, who he subsequently dethroned.
The reigning Scottish Open champion took the opening frame on the colours, though his opponent hit back with 108 to level.
Robertson had a run of 53 to open a 57-0 lead in frame three, but Wakelin fought back to pinch it on the pink.
The Thunder replied with 69 to level at the mid-session interval, then threatened to snatch frame five from 67-0 behind.
However, he broke down on 50 after missing the brown to the yellow pocket, and that swung the momentum firmly in his opponent’s favour.
After potting brown and blue for 3-2, Wakelin did not look back, with contributions of 55, 96 and 63 helping him progress to the biggest final of his career to date.
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