Neil Robertson makes a stunning comeback to beat John Higgins at the Masters

Robertson, who won the prestigious Top 16 event in 2012 and 2022, was given the chance to face Higgins in the opening match following the withdrawal of reigning champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.

It appeared to be a short visit to Alexandra Palace for Robertson as Higgins reeled off five frames in a row, but the Australian stormed back to take the next five and claim an unlikely victory.

“An incredible game, I didn’t really do much wrong,” Robertson told the BBC. “John played incredibly well in the 5-1 win and didn’t really do anything wrong.

“I gave it my absolute best and I’m just so glad I was able to take my chance after Ronnie dropped out and give the crowd something to cheer about today.

“My goal for the second half of the season is to bring my practice game and my talent (to the games). “I don’t think many people have seen exactly what I can do. The game there shows how well I can actually play.

“That’s how I play in training, I play so fast and people constantly insult me ​​because I try to repeat that.”

Robertson managed a long first frame with a lead of 48 over the Pink, but scored just 16 points in the next five as breaks of 54, 78, 59, 86 and 66 helped Higgins to a 5-1 lead.

Robertson stopped the rot with a break of 63 and the left-hander also won frame eight before forcing a decider with excellent breaks of 118 and 80.

Higgins came into play first and made 35 before missing a tricky red shot down the middle and Robertson responded with a break of 57 before failing to move the penultimate red shot off the side pad.

After a safety exchange, Higgins left a red shot near the middle pocket and Robertson cleared to book his place in the quarter-finals.

A visibly heartbroken Higgins said: “He played great when he came back. In the last frame I probably played the wrong shot going downfield, but he played great, so all the credit goes to him.”