No let-up for Robertson
Masters champion has no time to celebrate win
Last Updated: January 23, 2012 5:19am
Neil Robertson: Will take part in a minor two-day event in Essex
New BGC Masters champion Neil Robertson will be straight back into action on Monday - just hours after winning the second most prestigious title of his career.
The 2010 world champion celebrated saw off Shaun Murphy 10-6 in Sunday's Masters final at Alexandra Palace.
However the Australian must now compete in a minor two-day event in Essex after a request to World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn to take Monday off as a reward for his triumph fell on deaf ears.
"I asked Barry if I could have the day off because I'm supposed to be going to Crondon Park to play in the Championship League," Robertson said.
"My match is at 11am against Mark Davis. He probably thinks I won't turn up!
"I asked Barry if I could have the day off and he said no chance, you've got to work! I'll try my best."
Murphy paid his opponent a major compliment by comparing him favourably to all-time great John Higgins.
Prowess
"His all-round game has become one of the best, if not the best, in the game," Murphy said.
"His scoring ability, mixed with his tactical prowess...he's overtaken Higgins now."
Robertson was touched by Murphy's words and admitted he grew concerned when the 29-year-old staged his mini revival late in the match.
"That's probably as big a compliment as I've been given," Robertson said. "Shaun gave me a hell of a scare, winning two frames very rapidly. He never looked like missing.
"If it had got to 9-8 it would have been tough because the crowd were behind him.
"The two frames he won, I never even got to attempt a pot. He can do that to opponents. I was aware of his capability."
