"Thunder" strikes in York: Robertson wins 2015 UK Championship

Neil Robertson beat Liang Wenbo 10-5 in order to lift his second UK Championship trophy, thus becoming only the 8^th player in the history of snooker to win this tournament more than once.

And because such a unique occasion asks for a special treat, Robertson also hit a perfectly cued maximum break of 147 in frame six!

"The Thunder from Down Under" started his journey towards victory by taking the first two frames of the match with runs of 43 and 60 until Liang responded with a great 110 to break the ice and win his first frame of the day.

Still, a century break needs another one as a reply and that's exactly what Robertson did in frame 4, a strategic 106 giving him a comfortable lead of 3-1 as the interval was starting.

15 minutes later Wenbo was getting the best of frame 5, but frame 6 had Robertson's name written all over it as the Australian player took it in the best possible way: with a maximum break of 147!

This is Neil's 3^rd 147 as a professional snooker player, but his first on BBC! What a bonus! Not to mention the cheque of £44.000 for making it!

Clearly on fire, Robertson added a quick 69 break which came right after Liang missed a blue down on 33, but the last frame of the session bared the signature of the Chinese player, this being conquered by an 86 break. It was 5-3.

The second and last session started precisely at 7pm (UK time) under the strict supervision of referee Jan Verhaas and, as expected, a bit of tension could be detected in the air. Still, Liang managed to perform a great clearance of 82 to pull back a frame.

The next two frames were cashed by Robertson, first after a tremendous 78 break (made on a very difficult table - probably this was the best break of the match) and the second taken with just a top break of 42.
 
Just before the mid-session interval was knocking on the door, Liang made a great 78 to comfort himself during the mini-break, but little did he know that this was going to be his last won frame.

After the break, Robertson detached himself using a top break of 56 and winning the 14^th frame on the black, now being just one away from victory.

Minutes later, after a 42 break was suddenly stopped by missing a green, Liang got a lifeline to start and stop the rot, but unfortunately he didn't make the most of it, Robertson returning to the table to close the deal.

The public response, as well as his opponent’s, came under the form of an incredible round of applause to celebrate Neil winning his second UK Championship crown, after the one won in 2013 when he beat Mark Selby 10-7.

The players were quickly joined by their kids into the arena, seconds later the presentation party handing Robertson the mighty trophy. Brilliant performance by the Aussie who only a few days ago was crowned Champion of Champions in Coventry.

Next stop for the snooker fans is Gibraltar Open which starts, believe it or not, this week (9-13 December).