Neil Robertson hails “bucket list” Crucible maximum despite defeat to Jack Lisowski

Neil Robertson admits making a maximum break at The Crucible was on his “bucket list” and says he has had “the season of dreams” despite his Second Round exit to Jack Lisowski.

Robertson created a slice of snooker history by registering only the 12th 147 break in the World Championship, but it was not enough to avert an epic deciding frame defeat.

Having trailed 10-7, the Australian reeled off four frames in a row on Monday evening to lead for the first time since frame three, notably registering the fifth maximum of his career in frame 19.

The feat secures the Australian a £40,000 bonus as well as a share of the £15,000 high break prize with Graeme Dott, but it proved bittersweet as he saw his hopes of ending a 12-year wait for a world title crushed by an inspired Lisowski.

Robertson, however, remained upbeat despite the result, reflecting on a landmark season which has seen him claim three ranking titles as well as The Masters.

“If I only win it once, I’ve had an unbelievable career – I’ve achieved everything I could ever dream of 100 times over,” said Robertson.

“The season I’ve had has been the season of absolute dreams. If I’d gone on to win here, it would probably have been the greatest season anyone has had in the sport.

“I had a magical moment to go 10-9 with the 147. It was unbelievable really and it tops the season off because it’s on everyone’s bucket list to make a 147 at the Crucible.

“Jack played the match of his life. It was an incredible match and it was played in the right way. I’ve got nothing but praise for Jack because he just handled himself really well.”

Lisowski stopped the rot with a break of 88 to restore parity at 11-11, and after Robertson had punished a crucial missed green from ‘Jackpot’ to regain the lead, the world number 14 overturned a 55-point deficit with a stunning 72 break to force the first decider of the tournament.

Robertson had early chances to get in amongst the balls, but his trademark long potting deserted him at the crucial moment and Lisowski seized his chance to reach a first World Championship Quarter-Final.

Robertson was watched on by his mother who had made the trip from Australia, and he added: “It’s the first time I’ve seen my mum for three years, I’m sure she’ll be a lot more disappointed with the result of the match than me but she’s got to witness something incredibly special at the same time.

“I’m obviously disappointed to go out, it was a deciding frame that could have gone either way but Jack played a superb match and I wish him nothing but the best.”

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Neil Robertson raises the roof with his first World Championship maximum ?@nr147 | #ilovesnooker pic.twitter.com/1R470zyLbR

— Live Snooker (@Livesnooker) April 25, 2022