Former world champion Neil Robertson produced a brilliant fightback to keep his hopes alive of winning his first ranking event in almost 18 months.

Neil Robertson. Picture by Monique Limbos

The Australian, who last won ranking silverware in the summer of 2016, looked like his long run without ranking event success would continue when he trailed 5-2 to close friend Matthew Selt in the second round tie.

But Robertson, who is in need of a good run of results to ensure qualification for the Masters in January, won the final four frames to clinch a place in the last 16.

Elsewhere on Day 3 of the International Championship saw Monday’s star of the day – Yan Bingtao – follow up his sensational win over Ronnie O’Sullivan with a 6-4 win over Ricky Walden.

His next test will come against the in-form Jack Lisowski who followed up a fine win over Barry Hawkins with a 6-4 victory against Xiao Guodong.

World number one and defending champion Mark Selby produced a hard-fought win against close friend Tom Ford. Selby will next face Mark Williams who made five breaks of 50+ to beat fellow Welshman Ryan Day 6-2.

China’s remaining top star Liang Wenbo set up a last 16 tie against Judd Trump after beating Li Hang. Trump made two century breaks in  a 6-3 win over Jimmy Robertson.

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP – LAST 16

Mark Selby vs Mark Williams
Robbie Williams vs Neil Robertson
Shaun Murphy vs Ali Carter
Martin Gould vs Robert Milkins
Judd Trump vs Liang Wenbo
Mark Allen vs Martin O’Donnell
Jack Lisowski vs Yan Bingtao
Mark Joyce vs John Higgins

One of the most exciting matches on paper in the next round sees Ali Carter take on Shaun Murphy who both recorded thumping 6-1 wins over Stephen Maguire and Zhang Yong respectively.