Neil Robertson to face Andrew Higginson in repeat of 2007 Welsh Open snooker final

ByEurosport

Updated 12/02/2023 at 12:09 GMT

Andrew Higginson has earned a spot at the Welsh Open after Scotsman Fraser Patrick withdrew from the 11th ranking event of the season. The former world No. 18 will meet Neil Robertson in a repeat of the 2007 final which Robertson won 9-8 from 8-6 behind. The tournament at Venue Cymru in Llandudno runs from 13-19 February and is LIVE on Eurosport, discovery+, the Eurosport app and eurosport.co.uk

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Two-time champion Neil Robertson will face Andrew Higginson in his opening match at the Welsh Open on Monday (1pm LIVE on Eurosport and discovery+) after Scotsman Fraser Patrick withdrew from the Llandudno ranking event.

Former world No. 18 Higginson – who earned a late call-up via the Q School top-up list – famously reached the 2007 final as a 500-1 outsider and came agonisingly close to the title as Robertson won the final three frames from 8-6 behind to claim a 9-8 win in Newport.

Robertson lifted the Welsh Open trophy for a second time with a 9-7 victory over Stuart Bingham in Cardiff four years ago after losing 9-5 to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the 2016 final.

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The Australian would dearly love a third triumph this time as he bids to secure a spot at the Players Championship in Wolverhampton next week.

Robertson's hopes of defending the Players Championship rest on a strong performance at the Welsh Open with the first four rounds contested over the best of seven frames.

Only the top 16 on the sport's one-year list qualify for the Players with Robertson in 18th spot before the Welsh Open – 3,500 points behind Mark Williams, who occupies the 16th and final place in the standings.