MARK Allen reckons Neil Robertson is on course to capture a second world title because no one can “touch him” right now.

Robertson needed just over an hour to complete a 13-7 win over Allen who then warned Ronnie O’Sullivan his world title is under real threat.

The 2010 champion led Allen 9-7 going into the final session and produced breaks of 59,
69, 94 and 92 to book a quarter-final showdown with Judd Trump.

Ulsterman Allen is convinced not even the Rocket can live with Robertson because he is playing a “perfect” brand of snooker at the Crucible.

He said: “If Neil plays like that I just can’t see anyone coming close to him – not even Ronnie. He was devastating and Ronnie has never done that to me.

“I can’t see anyone getting close to Neil if he keeps performing like that. He was just devastating.

“He played very well in his first match against Robbie Williams but, and I’m not being big-headed when I say this, to do that against one of the top players in the world like me really does send a message to Ronnie.

“I know I played a few bad safety shots and left him a few easy starters but he was nearly clearing the table. Sometimes you have to admit you got completely outplayed.”

Shellshocked Allen led 7-6 at one stage and added: “It’s devastating to lose no matter what the circumstances are.

“But that was perfect snooker from Neil in the final session. I said to him if he plays like that no one can touch him – and I include Ronnie in that. That’s as good as I’ve seen.”

Robertson came within a whisker of becoming the first player to make 100 centuries in a season but missed a black off its spot on his break of 94. Then he missed the penultimate red in a 92 in the final frame.

A delighted Robertson said: “I was faultless. I played as perfect as you can play. I felt like a cricketer on 99 not out when I was going for that 100th century and I had my celebration all worked out.

“I was going to look up at Stephen Hendry in the commentary box and then missed the final black, and then missed another chance in the last frame.

“Still, I’ve got another match to make the record but the most important thing today was the performance.”

Trump wrapped up a 13-7 win over Welshman Ryan Day last night and, despite not being at his best, is relishing his clash with Robertson.

The Englishman said: “I know if I go out and play my game I’ll be a match for anyone. This will be a good test for me.”

O’Sullivan will face former world champion Shaun Murphy in the quarter-finals today after his fellow Englishman beat Hong Kong’s Marco Fu 13-8.

Dominic Dale eased to a 13-4 victory over Crucible debutant Michael Wasley to set up a clash with Barry Hawkins.

Alan McManus, the only Scot left in Sheffield, completes the last eight line-up against England’s Mark Selby.