by Hector Nunns

Bexhill's Jimmy Robertson saw off tournament room-mate Mark King to reach a first snooker ranking final in Belgium.

The 32-year-old from Sussex chalked up a huge personal milestone with a 6-4 victory at the European Masters in Lommel.

World No35 Robertson and good friend King, 44, had been sharing a chalet for the tournament.

But Robertson, overdue a big run at a major event, showed his mate no mercy – turning the match on its head after almost falling 4-2 down.

Robertson, who won three earlier rounds on the final black, now faces 44-year-old Joe Perry in today’s showpiece for the £75,000 first prize over two sessions and the best of 17 frames.

Robertson, who has worked with a sports psychologist to try and get to the next level, said: “I just held myself together, and the feeling is unbelievable. I am buzzing.

“It is surprising that I managed to play some of my best stuff when it mattered in a first semi-final.

“My family, missus, and children are coming out tomorrow and I can’t wait. It would mean everything to win a first title. I finally feel I am competing. You wonder if this day would come, it has been a frustrating career.”

Robertson is currently the Sussex No1, just ahead of Mark Davis from St Leonard's and in this event he has benefited from a host of big-name absentees and early casualties.

Perry won a ‘golden oldie’ semi-final yesterday to give himself a great chance of a second ranking title.

But he benefited from an outstanding moment of sportsmanship at a vital stage from fellow veteran Anthony Hamilton.

Perry, in his 27th year as a professional, beat Hamilton 6-3 in but the 47-year-old declared a foul on himself when poised to move 4-2 up.

Cambridgeshire’s Perry and Hamilton, another one-hit wonder, have seen their careers ravaged by back and neck injuries.

The pair have both almost quit on several occasions and have to do exercises to cope with the awkward stance and constant flights.

But Perry was stronger in Lommel, overcoming an early 2-0 deficit and rattling in breaks of 72, 64, 70 and a closing 74 and will now play for the £75,000 top prize.

Perry, into a fifth final, said: “My whole career has been driven by trying to win, not the money. If you do win there will be benefits, but it would be about trying to get the trophy.”