Neil Robertson has been fined £2,000 after conceding a frame prematurely during his World Snooker Championship first-round match against Pang Junxu. The Australian, who won the title in 2010, made a mathematical error in the second frame, believing he could not win when in fact he still had a chance.
Robertson conceded while trailing by 47 points with three reds remaining, meaning he could still have won without needing snookers. Referee Terry Camilleri issued a formal warning, and the standard fine of £250 was increased to £2,000 due to previous unrelated penalties this season. A further offence could result in a £10,000 fine.
Commentators Ken Doherty and Joe Perry expressed surprise at the error. Doherty said: 'That's very unusual for Neil Robertson to do something like that.' Perry added: 'That's totally out of character for Neil.' Robertson's mistake did not affect his tournament progress; he won 10-6 and later defeated Chris Wakelin to set up a quarter-final with John Higgins.
Robertson also criticised Ronnie O'Sullivan's chalk, which he claims damages the table. 'All the players hate it, it just destroys it,' he told BBC Four. 'I don't think he does it to put off anyone, but hopefully they bring in a ban.'
