'You are kidding me' – Watch Robbie Williams entertain Championship League snooker with astonishing fluke

ByEurosport

Updated 01/07/2022 at 22:43 GMT

It was a case of Take That for poor Zhao Jianbo at the Championship League in Leicester on Friday as Robbie Williams enjoyed one of the flukes of the year. World No 61 Williams sealed a 3-1 success against Zhao in Group 10 boosted by a remarkable miss on a long pot that provided the platform to three points at the Morningside Arena, but Luca Brecel would later top the group to reach the last 32.

‘How did he get the cue ball there?’ - World Championship top shots featuring Trump and O’Sullivan

Robbie Williams enjoyed a remarkable fluke during a 3-1 victory over Zhao Jianbo at the Championship League in Leicester.

The world No. 61 was leading 2-1 and 56-1 when he attempted a long red in a top pocket at pace on Friday.

Snooker

‘Better & better!’ – Trump growing into World Championship, says McManus and White

00:01:48

2 hours ago

The object ball rattled the jaws only to race down a side rail and nestle in the yellow bag as several balls were disturbed. "You are kidding me," said commentator David Hendon.

Wallasey potter Williams was apologetic to Zhao, but would wrap up a vital three points by claiming the fourth frame boosted by breaks of 70, 55 and 56 with Zhao responding with a 90 of his own in the second frame.

Williams drew his opening match 2-2 with Oliver Brown leaving him chasing a win over Luca Brecel in his final Group 10 match to reach the last 32 of the season's first ranking event.

Scottish Open holder Brecel rolled in an 89 and 66 in a 3-1 win over Brown after opening with a 3-1 success against world No. 81 Zhao that included a 76 and 85.

The Belgian – who won the Championship League in 2020 – only needed a point against Williams later on Friday evening to progress as group winner.

And he managed to achieve the feat by coming from 2-0 behind to earn a 2-2 draw.

Williams made 44 and 68 to lead 2-0, but Brecel levelled with knocks of 67 and 98 to top the section.

“I played some really good stuff today, I think. I made a lot of breaks and felt like I was the best player in the group," said Brecel.

"To be 2-0 down against Robbie, I felt like I would’ve been disappointed if I didn’t win the group. I practised a lot during the summer.

"I’ve been playing some good stuff in practice. It’s not a surprise. It’s always nice to do it on the match table. I feel like I am playing a lot better than last season.

"Hopefully, it can be another good season again.”

Lu Ning was the runaway winner of Group 29 courtesy of wins against John Astley (3-1), Chen Zifan (3-0) and Oliver LInes (3-1).

World Championship