Neil Robertson continued to solidify his reputation as one of the snooker's greats by achieving a stunning victory at the 2025 World Grand Prix held in Hong Kong, sweeping Stuart Bingham 10-0 to clinch his 25th ranking title on March 9, 2025. This match will go down as one of the most lopsided finals in snooker history, marking only the fourth time ever where the winner finished off the match without conceding any frames at this level.
Robertson, who had previously won the tournament back in February 2020, showcased incredible form leading up to the final. The Australian maestro dominated the match from the get-go, winning all eight frames during the first session. He scored heavily, including breaks of 87, 104, 71 and 59, establishing a commanding 4-0 lead. Even when Bingham fought back during the eighth frame, scoring 63 points, Robertson managed to clinch the frame with a clearance of 66 points, demonstrating his skill and focus under pressure.
The match only continued to tilt heavily toward Robertson's favor as the second session commenced. After making several mistakes, Bingham could not capitalize on any opportunity and find his footing, allowing Robertson to take the ninth frame and extend the lead to 9-0. Finally, with the last frame seemingly already determined, Robertson confirmed his rout, winning with the final score line confirming not just victory but complete domination.
This victory earned Robertson not just the trophy but also his largest single match payday of £180,000, and elevated him from 19th to 11th place in the world rankings, effectively securing him his spot at the upcoming World Championship. He rejoiced after the match, sharing his gratitude for the support he had received and expressing his delight to play before the enthusiastic crowd.
“Playing here is something special. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the support from the fans is incredible. I wish we could play here more often!” Robertson expressed, underscoring the connection he feels with the Hong Kong audience.
Robertson’s performance throughout the tournament indicated his intent and readiness for the challenges to come this season. He first battled through to the semi-finals by showing tenacity against Sean Murphy, where he completed a thrilling comeback from being down 3-5 to winning 6-5. Leading up to the final, he also defeated Yuan Sijun, David Gilbert, and Siao Guodong with convincing performances.
Stuart Bingham, on the other hand, faced heartbreak as this defeat was particularly painful for him, marking his first ranking final appearance in six years. He had previously seen off other tournament heavyweights including Mark Selby and world number one Judd Trump, yet could not replicate his earlier successes against Robertson.
Before the match began, Bingham received devastating news of his uncle Ray’s passing, which undoubtedly added to the emotional toll as he stepped onto the table. “I found out when I returned to the hotel after trailing 0-8. It was certainly not the day I envisioned, but it’s also reminded me of how life trumps the game,” Bingham stated, showcasing his perspective during difficult times. Even with such serious news weighing on him, Bingham attempted to maintain humor, joking about the “bad luck” of touching the trophy prior to the final, hinting at superstitions common within the sport.
This intense final capped off what was notable for being the first ranking tournament hosted by Hong Kong in 36 years, making it especially significant for both players and fans alike. Robertson’s flawless performance will be remembered as not just another title, but as setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling season. With future tournaments such as the Players Championship and Tour Championship on the horizon, expectations for both players will be high as they move forward, particularly for Robertson who is poised to make serious contention for future titles.
The path to the final illustrated their differences; driven by circumstances outside of snooker, Bingham faced unfathomable personal challenges, and yet he made it back to the finals. Robertson, meanwhile, showed what it means to be resilient within the sport, culminating his efforts with remarkable execution and mental strength. This World Grand Prix will undoubtedly be spoken of for years to come, not only for its outcome but also for the layered narrative surrounding both competitors.