Joe Swail pulled off a stunning victory over world No2 Neil Robertson in China yesterday – two years after losing his place on tour.

The veteran 45-year-old from Belfast, ranked No72 in the world, moved into the last 16 of the prestigious International Championship with a thrilling 6-5 victory in Chengdu.

Swail had to do it the hard way, fighting back from 5-3 adrift to claim the last three frames against the former world champion.

And the player who reached back-to-back world championship semi-finals 13 years ago admitted his recent renaissance made all the “mental torture” worthwhile.“This is my biggest win for a long time. I couldn’t find two frames on the spin never mind beat a player like Neil two years ago,” Swail said.

“I had no interest in playing but got my love back for it. I decided to give it one last go, I am not qualified to do much else.

“I never forget how low I was. That is very important, and it gives you an incentive to make the most of it now. I was suffering mental torture.

“But there is life in the old dog and I don’t care who I play now.”

Swail is now guaranteed a cheque for at least £12,000 in the biggest event on this season’s calendar to date.