NEIL ROBERTSON whitewashed Stuart Bingham in the World Grand Prix final to secure a spot at the Crucible next month.
Using a new titanium ferrule on his cue, the Australian, 43, knocked in breaks of 87 and 104 in the opening frames of his 10-0 annihilation of the Essex potter in Hong Kong.
Robertson is back to winning ways after upgrading his kitGetty
Robertson beat Stuart Bingham to the title in Hong KongAlamy
He hails the switch to titaniam as a decisive factor in the win.
“There are a lot of long reds I’ve knocked in this week due to the cue power I’m generating.
“I haven’t been able to play these shots for six or seven years.”
It transpired that his previous, bronze ferrule had been damaged for years.
“I’ve effectively been playing with damaged equipment for the last few years.
“Something that can cost about £20 can make a massive difference. I feel I have about 30% more power.
“The difference has been huge. I changed after the Welsh Open. It’s only going to get better from here, once I get used to it.”
This was the 25th ranking crown of his decorated career and it is the first time a defeated player has not won a single frame in a major final for three years.
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The previous time was the 2022 German Masters final when Zhao Xintong thumped Yan Bingtao 9-0 in Berlin but the two Chinese cueists were later done for match-fixing offences.
It means the 2010 world snooker champion is up into the top 16 again and he will not have to go through qualifying like last year when he missed out on the Sheffield showpiece event.
Robertson, who is now £180,000 richer for the week’s work, said: “I have been working on being better.
“When I got beaten 10-9 by Jamie Jones in World Championship qualifying last year, I was at a really low point.
“I really needed to turn this around, to do everything possible to get the best out of myself.
“I was able to do that with my sports psychologist and by working daily with Joe Perry, with match analysis in mid-session intervals, and before and after matches.
“It’s great to see all the hard work pay off.
“I knew I had a lot of work to do with the ranking points to secure the Crucible seeding.
“I know I played it down but it means the schedule is easier. I can plan ahead. I know I don’t have to go through the qualifying process.
“I can play in the Players and Tour Championships knowing that my place is secured.
“I am not free rolling as such but I can keep it going.
“The first tournament I won in Hong Kong eight years ago, I played Ronnie in the final and won there.
“To come back and win another title is amazing. It’s a brilliant place to come and visit. The fans have been absolutely wonderful as well.”
“Am I close to being back to my best? Yeah, I am. 100%. What I’m doing in practice is nuts.
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