Neil Robertson and Shaun Murphy swap classy messages after World Grand Prix epic
Yesterday at 07:56 AM
Neil Robertson got the better of Shaun Murphy in a World Grand Prix classic on Saturday in Hong Kong, claiming a brilliant 6-5 semi-final win.
The Australian started brilliantly with breaks of 114 and 104 but Murphy responded well and got himself 5-3 ahead thanks to efforts of 52, 77, 64, 107 and 77.
The Magician was clearly in a strong position at that stage, but incredibly did not score another point as the Thunder from Down Under reeled off the next three frames, including a brilliant 114 in the decider to win it.
That century began with a stunning long red, which was a huge risk, but paid off for Robertson, who said Murphy was typically classy with his words at the end.
‘The long red I knocked in in the decider. There probably aren’t too many players in the world that would go for that, Shaun’s one of them,’ said Robertson.
‘If I pot it I’ve got a great chance to win the match, if I miss it then my opponent’s got a great chance to win the match
‘Shaun was really complimentary with that shot after the match. He said to me: “There’s nothing I can do about that, that was just an amazing shot to get in.”
‘That’s one of the things that makes him a great, great champion of our game. It’s how he talks after losing as well as winning. I think that’s really important.
‘All compliments to Shaun with the way he played the match. I thought it was a great match for everyone watching. Big breaks, bit of drama, great match.’
The 43-year-old added on X: ‘Into the final here in Hong Kong!
‘Different class the words from Shaun at the end of the match there. A big say in where you stand in the game in my book in how you handle winning and losing.’
The Magician admitted that it was a painful defeat from such a good position and with a huge ranking final on the line.
However, he added more praise for his opponent as he looked back on the game in a social media video, saying: ‘That’s a pretty tough one to take. Cruel game isn’t it, snooker, it always has been.
‘Didn’t feel like I did much wrong at all and you don’t need to at this level. I’m playing one of the game’s greats in Neil.
‘From 5-3 I didn’t score a point, I don’t remember having a chance to score a point. The last frame, the long red Neil’s knocked in is just sensational. So yeah, cruel game.’
Robertson is into his second final of the season after winning the English Open in September and will try to claim a 25th ranking title on Sunday.
He will be facing either Judd Trump or Stuart Bingham as the two Englishmen battle it out in the second semi-final.
The final will be played over a best of 19 on Sunday at the Kai Tak Arena, with the winner claiming £180,000.
