NEIL ROBERTSON will put friendship aside in a bid to “destroy” Joe Perry when they meet in the williamhill.com UK Championship today.
The world number one negotiated a tricky clash with Li Hang 6-3 to face his pal in the last 16 and said: “I just have to forget about friendship and try and just demolish him. I just have to destroy him.
“He’s been pretty good at avoiding me all week.”
Robertson began with a bang against Hang – hitting the then highest break of the tournament, 141, in the very first frame.
But Hang fought hard to stay on the Australian’s coat-tails, and was just one frame behind at 4-3 before Robertson closed out the match.
“He’s a much better player than his ranking suggests,” he added. “It was a really tough match and his safety play was really good.
“I couldn’t really get into too much flow but I thought I did pretty well considering the chances I was getting. It was a more solid test playing Li compared to my two opening round matches.”
Robertson admitted he was also looking forward to performing on the two-table set up that has been the norm at the Barbican during previous UK events.
He said: “That’s much better. Even though the crowds have been great I think they are a bit worried about clapping really loudly and putting off another table.
“At least when it is two tables it will create a much better atmosphere now and I think all the players that have got down to this point can really enjoy the rest of the tournament.”
Robertson’s 141 was surpassed when Stephen Maguire hit a 142 against John Higgins last night.
The Australian said: “With three reds I could probably have made a higher break – like a 143.”
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