World Grand Prix snooker in Hong Kong tipped to inspire next Marco Fu or Ng On-yee
Tournament’s losing finalist Stuart Bingham tells young local players that ‘one day they could be here playing in their hometown’
Snooker’s leading lights jetted out of Hong Kong on Monday united in their praise for its hosting of the World Grand Prix, and expressing hope that they had inspired the local stars of tomorrow.
Losing finalist Stuart Bingham challenged aspiring cueists to become the next Marco Fu Ka-chun or Ng On-yee as he reviewed a “top-class” tournament after it concluded late on Sunday with Neil Robertson claiming the title.
“Hopefully it can encourage younger players,” Bingham said. “I went to the [Hong Kong Sports Institute] and there were a couple of young lads playing.
“You’ve got Marco, you’ve got On-yee – good role models for up-and-coming Hong Kong players. If [youngsters] watch what we’ve done this week … surely that will give them a lot of confidence to get on the practice table, practise hard and one day they could be here playing in their hometown.”
Robertson concurred, saying: “When we play in professional events, what you want to happen from it is to see younger people be inspired and take up the game.
“We’ve got a couple of players on tour from Hong Kong, and it’s deserving of having more. We need young players taking up the game and being inspired to be the next Marco or On-yee. Hopefully with the tournament being here, it can inspire a younger generation of players from Hong Kong.”