Neil Robertson has produced a fightback at the Crucible - but still faces a battle royal to keep his dream alive of a second world snooker title.
The Australian, who started as the pre-tournament favourite, was locked in a terrific battle with Jack Lisowski as he reduced the deficit to 9-7 after the second session of their second-round clash at Sheffield on Sunday.
Melbourne's 2010 champion had had to dig deep on Saturday to haul himself level at 4-4 in their opening session.
But he was on the backfoot again quickly on Sunday when Englishman Lisowski re-established a two-frame lead following century breaks of 119 and 122 which helped him to a 7-5 interval lead.
Robertson, 'the Thunder from Down Under', then kept himself in touch with a break of 54 only for 'Jackpot' Lisowski to make a fine 137 clearance, which was followed by a 74 that put him 9-6 clear in the race to 13.
However, Robertson responded again with a break of 69 to leave the match fascinatingly poised heading into Monday's finish.
On the other table, former champion Judd Trump won six of the eight frames as he opened up a 10-6 lead over Anthony McGill.
Earlier on Sunday, Thailand's Noppon Saengkham had claimed the last three frames of the session to level his match against four-time champion John Higgins at 4-4.
Australian Associated Press
