World Grand Prix snooker in Hong Kong: Robertson wins final 10-0 at Kai Tak
Australia’s Neil Robertson claims trophy and HK$1.8 million winner’s cheque against Stuart Bingham at Kai Tak Arena
Neil Robertson achieved the rare distinction of a whitewash in a competitive snooker final by routing Stuart Bingham 10-0 at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong on Sunday.
The Australian was almost apologetic afterwards as he paid tribute to his defeated opponent, who retained enough of a sense of humour to grab the trophy from him and briefly hoist it aloft, to cheers from fans at the newly opened Kai Tak Arena.
Bingham had contributed amply to a feast of snooker over the course of six days, but the glory and most of the plaudits were for Robertson as he claimed a winner’s cheque worth HK$1.8 million (US$232,000) in the first ranking event to take place in Hong Kong in 36 years.
Having also triumphed in 2017’s invitational Hong Kong Masters, and been a narrowly beaten semi-finalist in the event of the same name in 2022, Robertson has developed something of an affinity for the city.
“That’s three times I’ve played here and I’ve won two of them,” he said. “I wish we could play in Hong Kong every week.
“The tournament has been amazing and the crowd created a wonderful atmosphere for the players. This is a place I love coming to.”
