Neil Robertson will play in the Champion of Champions after world number one Mark Selby did him a massive favour earlier today.

Neil Robertson. Picture by Monique Limbos

The Australian’s participation in the upcoming and prestigious invitational event was in major doubt after he was knocked out of the International Championship during the week.

Robertson’s early last 16 exit in China meant getting a pass for the televised Coventry event was no longer in his own hands as he hadn’t won any of the priority major events needed to secure automatic qualification.

But because he won the invitational Hong Kong Masters – a lower priority event in the Champion of Champions qualification criteria – at the start of this season, Robertson has managed to secure a place with the help of others.

The fact Selby won the International Championship on Sunday and had already had qualified for the Champion of Champions due to being world champion has ensured Robertson will now take part in the 16-man event starting on Monday.

But Robertson, who won the 2010 World Championship, is in for a very tough encounter as he will face Ronnie O’Sullivan in the opening round on Thursday.

The Champion of Champions starts on Monday with the likes of Ding Junhui, Anthony Hamilton, Barry Hawkins and Ryan Day in action.

Live coverage is on ITV4 starting from 12.45pm (UK time).