Neil Robertson v Jimmy Robertson live stream | Players Championship 2022 preview
Neil Robertson in action (Zac Goodwin/PA Wire/PA Images)
A battle of the Robertsons takes centre stage on Saturday as Neil and Jimmy vie for a place in the Players Championship final.
Barry Hawkins awaits the winner in Sunday’s showpiece at Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton.
Although just five years separate the players, there is certainly a youth-versus-experience vibe ahead of the second semi-final.
While this is Neil’s third ranking event semi-final of the season – and 45th of his career – he has already matched his opponent’s overall tally of such appearances.
The Australian is seeking his third title of the campaign, having already captured the English Open and Masters.
And he will be eager to add this trophy to his collection, having fallen at the final hurdle on three previous occasions – in 2012, 2013 and 2019.
Despite only recently ending his isolation period after a positive COVID-19 test, the Thunder has been in impressive scoring form in Wolverhampton.
Indeed, he made two centuries during his 6-4 win over Kyren Wilson, before racking up four breaks over 50 as he overcame Ronnie O’Sullivan 6-3 in the quarter-finals.
His namesake has also taken out some big names to reach the last four of a ranking event for the second time this season, having also got to this stage of the British Open.
Jimmy had never won a match in his four previous appearances at the Players Championship, but ended that drought by reeling off six frames without reply against Scottish Open winner Luca Brecel.
The world number 38, who narrowly avoided relegation from the tour last season, then recovered brilliantly from 2-0 down against John Higgins; hitting a top break of 102 and a further four over 50 to stun the reigning champion 6-4.
Play gets underway at 7pm GMT on Saturday with the match contested over the best of 11 frames at Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton.