Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Players Championship match.
Neil Robertson and Stuart Bingham played each other a week ago in the World Grand Prix final, and Neil thrashed Bingham (10-0).
Neil Robertson
Neil Robertson had a great tournament last year and is ready to repeat his success in the second Players Series tournament. Neil beat Yuan Sijun (4-0), David Gilbert (4-1), Xiao Guodong (6-3), Shaun Murphy (6-5), and in the final, Neil did not allow Stuart Bingham to win a single frame. This is Neil’s second trophy of the 2024/2025 season. In September 2024, the Australian won the English Open, beating Wu Yize (9-7) in the final. Neil has not played as well in other tournaments, but compared to the previous season, this is a huge improvement.
Stuart Bingham
Stuart Bingham has not reached even the quarter-finals of a tournament this season since last year's semi-final. Bingham has suffered many losses to players in the lower half of the rankings in the early stages of tournaments, such as Xing Zihao, Xu Si, Lei Peifan, He Guoqiang, and Chris Totten. At the World Grand Prix, Bingham beat the legendary Mark Williams, Mark Selby, and Judd Trump, but was not strong enough to win the trophy. Stuart has been rested this week and is ready to play a good tournament to fight for a place in the Tour Championship. Bingham is currently 14th in the provisional rankings, and the Tour Championship is a tournament for the top 12 players of the season.
Neil Robertson vs Stuart Bingham Prediction
If Bingham were playing anyone else, we would back his win, but such a crushing defeat as the one he suffered to Neil a week ago will not be forgotten. Bingham really needs a win to reach the final tournament of the Players Series, but it will be very difficult. Neil has become even stronger mentally after the victory, and in the match with Bingham, the advantage will be on Robertson’s side. Despite the fact that Bingham’s opponents were more prestigious and skilled, we think Robertson will defeat Bingham again.
