Experienced Robertson digs deep to become king of Scotland

On cue: Neil Robertson won the Scottish Open in Glasgow NEIL Robertson staged a stunning comeback from 8-4 down to beat Cao Yupeng 9-8 in the final of the Scottish Open in Glasgow last night.

Cao put on a superb display to take a 5-3 lead over Triple Crown winner Robertson after the first session but it was the Australian who battled back to collect the £70,000 top prize.

The Chinese star was only one frame from victory but couldn’t close the deal as Robertson used all his experience to triumph.

Twenty-seven-year-old Cao enjoyed the best week of his career so far, having made a maiden 147 break in his 4-0 first round win over Andrew Higginson.

He will pocket £22,000 for that magic run and the £30,000 prize for the runner-up.

Robertson had already ensured an instant return to the world’s top 16 after dropping to 20th at last week’s UK Championship.

Cao showed no signs of early nerves as he produced a composed break of 82 to take the opening frame.

Robertson then led the second frame 65-0. However, world number 67 Cao looked set to steal it, as he strung together a fine run of 62 before missing the final black off its spot. Robertson potted it and clenched his fist as he levelled at 1-1.

Further contributions of 72 and 70 saw Cao lead 3-1 at the mid-session interval.

When they returned Robertson closed the gap, but Cao quickly extended his lead to 5-2.

Robertson won a crucial concluding frame of the afternoon with runs of 64 and 50.

Snooker’s big guns will now turn their attention towards the Masters which starts next month at Alexandra Palace.