Neil Robertson is set to receive a fine of approximately £250 following an unusual incident at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, where the Australian former world champion mistakenly conceded a frame he could still have won.
The 44-year-old, who claimed the world title 16 years ago, made the error during the second frame of his first-round encounter with China's Pang Junxu at the Crucible.
Robertson, a seeded player guaranteed a minimum £20,000 for his participation in the tournament, misinterpreted the scoreboard during the match, leading to the premature concession that will result in a financial penalty once the championship concludes.
Trailing 57-10 in the frame, Robertson failed to pot a straightforward black using the rest and walked back to his seat visibly frustrated, informing the match official he wished to give up the frame.
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The Australian believed he was 57 points adrift of his opponent, but the actual gap stood at just 47 points with three red balls still on the table, meaning the frame remained within his grasp without requiring snookers.
When the referee attempted to explain that 47 points were still available, Robertson initially disputed this, insisting he had been 57 behind.
The official responded by asking for the score to be displayed, at which point the magnitude of Robertson's error became apparent.
Neil Robertson pictured in action at this year's World Snooker Championship
|BBC
Upon viewing the television footage, Robertson quickly grasped his mistake and offered an apology for the incident.
"Ah, I miscalculated the score. Yeah, sorry. Yeah. I didn't mean it," the Australian said after recognising his error.
The referee had already issued a warning to Robertson for his actions, given that the frame had not yet reached a point where concession would be appropriate.
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Neil Robertson concedes a frame EARLY after a miscalculation 😱#WorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/PhOG0QikVs
The premature surrender handed Pang Junxu the frame, levelling the match at 1-1.
Robertson, who has sported a gold-backed waistcoat during the tournament as a nod to his Australian heritage, has struggled to replicate his best form at the Sheffield venue since lifting the trophy in 2010.
Ken Doherty, the 1997 world champion who was providing BBC commentary during the match, expressed his disbelief at what had unfolded.
"He has actually conceded when he can still win. He's absolutely disgusted with missing that black," Doherty observed.
Five quirky facts about snooker | PA"But that's very unusual for Neil Robertson to do something like that. You don't really see that in the game anymore."
Joe Perry, who serves as both Robertson's coach and close friend, echoed the sentiment that the incident was entirely uncharacteristic.
"I thought it was a miscalculation from Neil. He would never ever do that. It's not in Neil's character. Just a complete misread of the score," Perry explained.
"There was no petulance or anger from Neil. A nice little fine in the post."