Snooker: Meet the New Prince of Wales, the Incredible Neil Robertson

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Australia’s Neil Robertson claimed his 15th ranking title in Cardiff over the weekend as he hung on in a tight final to win the ManBetX Welsh Open eventually in style – 9 – 7.

Robertson, 37, had double success in Wales as he had originally racked a 147 break but had to share half of the 17K prize with Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham.

But, it was Robbo in steely manner who lifted the Ray Reardon trophy and a 70K first prize cheque after beating Stuart Bingham, who made a gutsy comeback from 4 – 1 and 7 – 3 down respectively. It’s his second Welsh Open title since 2007.

Welsh Open Champion!🏆 One of the most brutal swinging back and forth matches I’ve been involved in. We both could have played better but fought for every point out there as if it was life… https://t.co/o9y3btoaUc
— Neil Robertson🌱 (@nr147) 18 February 2019

At 7 – 7 it was looking nervy but “Big Robbo” as he is sometimes called won the scrappy frame before coming out in frame 16 and potting a stunning long red to get in and rack a plucky 83 break to seal the deal.

After, Robertson, lavished praised on Bingham, and told Eurosport: “I think Stuart was the better player today.” He added that Bingham missed a few balls but his safety is top draw and he was always being put in a snooker.

He also said about his hopes for winning a second World Championship, which he has not won one since 2010: “I need to push on now, and get another World title.”

Early on in the season, Robertson had won in Riga, but he admitted he generally doesn’t do a lot later on in seasons, and said it was good to win one nearer the World Championships as it gives you great confidence.

For Bingham, it was a gutsy comeback from 7 – 3 down – despite not playing his best stuff in the final. He had made 11 tons during the event.

Robbo equals Bingham in having won two Home Nations events, which include:

2017 Scottish Open
2019 Welsh Open

Bingham’s wins include;

2017 Welsh Open
2018 English Open

Positives for Iran’s Vafaei and young Joe O’Connor

Leicester’s Joe O’Connor, English Amateur Champion had a remarkable journey in Wales, after beating German Master Kyren Wilson, Ding Junhui, and, John Higgins, but fell short in the semi’s with Bingham. It was also a good run for Iran’s Hossein Vafaei who unfortunately was whitewashed 6 – 0 in the semi’s but nevertheless is on route to becoming a future tournament winner. Fans rushed to congratulate the 23-year-old on his great run in Cardiff. As he’s only been on the tour under a year.