Neil Robertson took to social media to criticise the quality of the table after his first round defeat in the Tour Championship.

The Australian – despite not missing many pots throughout – lost 9-5 to Stephen Maguire on Saturday on the first day of the penultimate ranking event before the World Championship.

Maguire was in sensational form hitting six centuries during the match, Robertson himself hit two and at one stage came back from 3-1 down to lead 4-3.

But the world number 2 appeared to be very critical of the table after the match and stated it did the professional game a ‘disservice’.

During the contest the table appeared to be generous with a number of pots finding the pockets – to the surprise of the players themselves.

In response to a tweet from snooker commentator David Hendon, Robertson said: “Also the pockets were set up like an exhibition table. Impossible to miss when you’re in. Does the game a disservice at pro level.”

Neil Robertson. Picture by Monique Limbos

And responding to snooker fans on Twitter, Robertson said in another tweet: “I said the same thing in an interview regarding no crowds. It’s a paid practice session with no pressure. Combine that with the biggest pockets I’ve ever played on and all sorts of records will tumble this week. Very lucky to be back playing tho and I’m sure it was great to watch.”

Speaking on ITV4, pundit and former Masters winner Alan McManus said other players competing in the event would be licking their lips after seeing the table.

Discussing today’s match between John Higgins and Judd Trump, McManus weighed in: “You can bet both lads will be upstairs in their rooms looking at that match and going to school on the table.

“The way the table is playing I think both will score heavily but it remains to be seen if John can keep Judd at bay in the long game department – his safety is going have to be watertight.”

Stephen Hendry added: “The table does look very comfortable and I think we will sit a lot of century breaks this week.”