Robertson – Bendigo Field Is Strongest Ever

Snooker ace Neil Robertson is excited about the forthcoming Australian Goldfields Open and believes this year’s line-up for the world ranking event is the strongest ever.

The tournament at Bendigo Stadium runs from June 29 to July 5 and the stellar line up of snooker stars includes defending champion Judd Trump, World Champion Stuart Bingham, world number one Mark Selby and former World Champions Shaun Murphy and John Higgins as well as Melbourne native Robertson. Draw and format.

“It’s the strongest field we’ve ever had for this event,” said Robertson. “A lot of top players realise now how good the conditions are in Bendigo and the fact that it is well supported with great crowds towards the end of the week.

The event is growing and getting more attention, which it deserves. Hopefully that will lead to more people in Australia getting interested in snooker, and more young players coming through. It’s the first ranking event of the season and a great way to kick it off.

Robertson has reached the final in Bendigo in each of the last two years but was denied the title by Marco Fu in 2013 and Judd Trump in 2014. “Hopefully I can get to the final and win it this year,” said the former World, UK and Masters champion, currently ranked third in the world.

“I have played really well in the tournament for the last two years but just not got my hands on the trophy. The last two times I have won the Wuxi Classic in China the week before, while this time there is a week in between so I’ll be well acclimatised and better rested. I’ll have the chance to spend some time with my family in Melbourne and prepare as well as I can.”

Robertson opens his campaign against Matthew Selt or wild card Ben Judge on Tuesday June 30.

Tickets for the tournament are ON SALE NOW and start at just $25 – for details see www.bendigostadium.com.au or call 0354406214