Neil Robertson believes his Grand Prix title victory over Ding Junhui in Glasgow was the best of his career.
Australian proud to win fourth ranking tournament
Neil Robertson believes his Grand Prix title victory over Ding Junhui in Glasgow was the best of his career.
The Australian cruised to a 9-4 win at Kevin Hall, making him the most successful player from outside the British Isles in terms of ranking tournaments.
The victory provided Robertson with his fourth ranking title and his only final success over an opponent inside the top 16.
While the left-hander played down his chances of being snooker's best ever overseas player, he admits his display this week proved he can compete with the best.
"It's just amazing to win my fourth ranking title and to get this one back. I really, really wanted to win this week," said the 2006 Grand Prix champion.
"In my previous three finals, although they were great players as well, some criticism I could have come under was maybe I didn't beat a world-class player.
"But I think with Ding, I definitely beat a world-class player - three-time ranking event winner."
Thriller
The match, which was only the second ranking final between two overseas players in the game's history, looked set to be a thriller following three centuries in an afternoon session which Robertson edged 4-3.
Ding came from behind and levelled twice but with the scores at 4-4, the Chinese star lost a 57-minute frame and never recovered.
The 22-year-old, who was feeling unwell throughout the final, admitted his opponent's tactics had got to him.
"I still tried to come back to fight for 5-5 but then I missed balls and he had very good safety and kept the ball touching the cushion. It was difficult to play," said Ding.
"He used a slow game and put me in so much trouble.
"I had to just think about safety and had many problems with that. Tonight my safety was not good.
"I never gave up. The last frame I kept trying but I was feeling bad, I lost concentration and my head was not working."
