World number one Judd Trump has reacted angrily to his Champion of Champions defeat, claiming Neil Robertson "didn't deserve to win" their quarter-final clash in Bolton.
Trump was left fuming after his 6-4 loss to the Australian on Wednesday night, taking aim at what he described as "slow play" from his opponent.
The defeat came after Trump had earlier impressed with a 4-0 victory over Ding Junhui in the same day's opening match.
In a post-match interview with ITV4, Trump expressed his frustration at the match's slow pace.
"I thought I was very unlucky. To be honest I think Neil knows that he didn't deserve to win like that," Trump told ITV4.
"I love Neil but there was a lot of slow play and he's a much better player when he just gets on with it," the world number one added.
Judd Trump was furious with Neil Robertson after his defeat
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Trump urged Robertson to pick up his pace for the remainder of the tournament, noting "it would be nice to see him go and win it again."
The match took an unusual turn for two typically high-scoring players, with Robertson initially building a 3-1 lead through breaks of 90, 84 and 59.
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Trump fought back to level at 3-3, before Robertson claimed the next two frames.
The eighth frame proved particularly gruelling, lasting almost an hour in what became an attritional battle.
The contest stretched to four-and-a-half hours in total, with Robertson eventually sealing victory in another tense concluding frame.
Robertson defended his performance, praising Trump's qualities while insisting he matched his opponent's standard.
"Incredible game, Judd showed all his qualities there. The great champion he's been over the past 18 months, well his whole career really," Robertson told ITV4.
"His safety play, his discipline, everything was incredible. I matched it with him, I stayed with him, kept my discipline as well."
Neil Robertson defended his performance after beating Judd Trump
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The Australian highlighted a crucial shot, adding: "That blue is definitely one of the highlight shots of my career, in terms of the pressure and everything that was at stake."
Robertson's victory secured his place in Saturday's Champion of Champions semi-final, where he will face three-time world champion Mark Williams.
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Judd Trump lashed out at Neil Robertson and called him slow
PA
The Australian was enthusiastic about the upcoming clash, saying: "I always enjoy playing Mark, get along with him really well."
The semi-final match is scheduled for 19:00 GMT, with Robertson looking to build on his quarter-final success despite Trump's criticisms.
