Northern Ireland Open: Neil Robertson welcomes news of Hong Kong tournament

Neil Robertson has welcomed the recent announcement that this season’s World Grand Prix will be held in Hong Kong, external, the first ranking event to be held there for 35 years.

The news continues the ongoing globalisation of the sport, with increased prize money and host venues with large capacities adding to the impression that the sport is heading in a positive direction.

The tournament will be staged in the 4,000-capacity Grand Hall at the Kai Tak Arena from 4-9 March 2025.

Ronnie O’Sullivan will be the defending champion at the competition, which will host the top 32 players qualified by virtue of the sport’s one-year ranking list with a first prize of £180,000.

A potential sell-out crowd at the venue would represent a record attendance for a ranking event.

An invitation event featuring eight players was staged in Hong Kong two years ago, with O’Sullivan winning the final in front of 9,000 enthusiastic fans.

“I played Ronnie in the semi-final there, had three centuries in a row and the crowd was going crazy,” reflected Robertson after beating Graeme Dott 4-3 in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.

“I was wondering why we weren’t going back as for me the tournament was a huge success.

“Everyone’s been working hard behind the scenes to make it happen, they’ve increased the prize money and the ranking points available, which is really a step in the right direction. Hong Kong should always have an event.”