With the World Championship fast approaching Neil Robertson cannot afford to dwell on his Coral Welsh Open disappointment for long, according to Jimmy White.

Robertson made the final in Cardiff 12 months ago but was an early casualty this time around as he crashed out to world number 94 Lee Walker in the second round.

It continued an indifferent run of form for the 35-year-old who has reached the quarter-finals of both the Masters and World Grand Prix events this season but also failed to make it past round one at the German Masters.

The World Championship begin at The Crucible on April 15 meaning there is still plenty of time for the 2010 champion to get back up to speed, with White himself not overly concerned yet for the former world number one.

“He played well in Cardiff. He complained about the table after the match but he had breaks of 143 and a 131, so I don’t know what he was complaining about,” said White, who was knocked out by Robertson in the first round at the Welsh Open.

“It is difficult when you play well and aren’t winning. 

“But his opponent, Lee Walker, played well. He is an established coach who has been off the tour for eight years and came back on it two years ago and played really well. I think once again, the short format benefitted him. 

“Neil Robertson shouldn’t be so down on himself because the World Championships are coming up in six weeks.”

The Welsh Open was LIVE on Eurosport 1 and Quest, featuring daily studio analysis from Ronnie O'Sullivan, Jimmy White and Neal Foulds.