Neil Robertson has secured his place at April’s China Open with a hard fought 6-4 win over Robin Hull at qualifying in Barnsley.
Robertson’s victory will taste extra sweet following last week’s announcement of a record breaking boost in prize money for the tournament, which will see the total prize fund reach £1 million.
The Australian was competing in his first competitive match of the year after missing out on qualification for the recent Masters at Alexandra Palace. However, Robertson did end 2017 in style with a superb victory at the Scottish Open in Glasgow, where he won a thrilling final against Cao Yupeng 9-8.
Robertson came quickly out of the blocks today, as he compiled runs of 76 and 126 on his way to establishing a 3-1 advantage. Finland’s Hull showed his fighting qualities after the interval and battled back to move within a frame, thanks to a century run of 122 which made it 4-3.
The Thunder from Down Under didn’t take his foot off the gas and further contributions of 76 and 77 were enough to see him over the line as a 6-4 victor.
Luca Brecel denied young Chinese star Zhao Xintong a place in the showpiece Beijing event with a 6-4 win. The Belgian Bullet top scored with a century run of 109 on his way to the win.
China’s 17-year-old Yan Bingtao continued his impressive season with a strong display to see off John Astley 6-2. The 2017 Northern Ireland Open finalist compiled breaks of 54, 56, 50 and 138 on his way to the win.
World number 24 David Gilbert defeated Billy Castle 6-3 to progress to Beijing. While 2016 Northern Ireland Open champion Mark King emerged a 6-2 winner against Leo Fernandez
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