Marco Thru
Hong Kong’s world number eight, Marco Fu won Group Four of the Championship League and book his place in the winner’s group in March, beating Neil Robertson in the play-off final.
In the Group Stage, Fu was the early pace setter with 3-0 wins over Mark Allen and Allister Carter including breaks of 144,130,120,103,86,82 in one of the heaviest scoring periods of all time.
He followed that with breaks 113 and 72 in opening a 2-0 lead against Australian, Neil Robertson before losing to the Grand Prix champion 3-2.
On day two, he lost his opening match 3-0 against the resurgent Mark Williams but booked his play-off place, qualifying in second place, with wins against Peter Ebdon and Liang Wenbo.
In the semi-final he faced Williams and trailed 1-0 and 2-1 before pinching the fourth frame and making another century (110) in the decider.
Robertson faced Ebdon and despite a 96 break in the fourth, ‘The Thunder from Down Under’ eased into the final.
Fu again raced into a 2-0 lead against the Aussie. Robertson failed to repeat his comeback as Fu ran out a comfortable and worthy winner.
He will join Stephen Maguire, John Higgins and Judd Trump in the Winner’s group. The eventual winner will secure their Premier League 2010 place.
Group five breaks off on February 8 with Jamie Cope, Barry Hawkins and Dave Harold joining Robertson, Williams, Ebdon and Allen.
