Snooker: Robidoux reaches semi-final
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Snooker
It was not exactly a thriller but Alain Robidoux is not complaining. The French-Canadian earned his first semi-final place since 1989 when he beat Stephen Lee 5-2 at the Sweater Shop International Open in Swindon yesterday.
"I was so nervous before the end I could hardly let the cue go," Robidoux said. "I really felt the pressure towards the end because it's been such a long time since I got this far. In fact, I feared I might never get to a semi-final again. I'd not been cueing properly and then I decided to change my stance because I was too square on."
Having broken his barren run, the world No 20 now wants to demonstrate to the large, enthusiastic audience at the Link Centre that he can play impressive snooker. He played well only in patches against the 21-year- old former English amateur champion from Trowbridge.
Robidoux finally secured the opening frame after 29 minutes, but he lost the second frame after a gruelling 51 minutes when Lee obtained a snooker to pinch it on the black. At the mid-session interval, Robidoux was all square and he pulled away with runs of 63, 47 and 27.
"I could have played a lot better," Lee said. "Alain is very solid and he's never going to be a pushover. He was continually slowing the match down and I could not get any rhythm."
A 129 clearance, the highest break of the televised stages, was the highlight of John Higgins' 5-2 victory over Karl Broughton, which lined up the defending champion to face Robidoux.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments