Neil Robertson lauds Ronnie O'Sullivan as the greatest after Coral Players' Championship defeat

Neil Robertson hailed Ronnie O’Sullivan as the “game’s greatest ever player” after being beaten in the Coral Players’ Championship in Preston.

The Cambridge-based player, who trains at WT’s Sports Bar, was defeated 10-4 in the final, as O’Sullivan created history with the 1,000th century of his career.

Robertson was targeting a 16th ranking title and a third this season, after wins in the Riga Masters and the Welsh Open.

However, O’Sullivan was in top form, gaining a 7-2 lead after the first session, and going on to finish the match in style with a break of 134 for a 35th ranking title of his career.

“I had high hopes going into the match but I couldn’t do much about the way Ronnie played,” Robertson told World Snooker.

“He probably plays a final like that once every two or three years. I kept trying all the way through and did well to stay in there. I only missed a few tough shots, he won at least five or six frames where I didn’t make a mistake.

“It was great to be in the arena when he made the 1,000th century. I’m delighted for him, he’s a wonderful champion and the game’s greatest ever player.”

And O’Sullivan said of his opponent: “I have played well all week and played brilliantly today.

“To cap it off with the 1,000th century was great. I was pleased to do it against Neil because he’s probably the nicest human being on the circuit.

“There’s no player I’d rather share that moment with other than Ding Junhui or Liang Wenbo.”