 Robertson came back from a slow start to claim victory |
Australian Neil Robertson continued his good form at the Grand Prix in Aberdeen by storming into Sunday's final with a 6-2 win over Alan McManus. Robertson, who beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in the previous round, recovered from a 2-0 deficit to rattle off the next six frames for success.
He becomes the first Australian to reach a ranking event decider since Warren King in 1990.
Robertson will face Jamie Cope in the final after he beat Mark King 6-3.
Qualifier Cope twice went behind to King but eventually ran out a comfortable winner.
"It's the first time that I've played really well, but I still feel there's lots more to come," said the 21-year-old.
"I'm just hoping I can play well in the final. It's going to be big occasion for me."
The players shared the first four frames but following the resumption Cope won three frames in a row with breaks of 58, 74 and 92 to help set up the win.
"It would mean a lot to me to win the tournament," admitted Robertson after his victory over McManus.
"I've just got to keep doing what I've been doing. I knew I'd have a really tough match.
"Even if I'd have gone 3-1 behind I knew I could come back. It doesn't make too much difference in best-of-11 matches.
"I'm going to take it one ball at a time and I'm going to enjoy myself, which is the most important thing.
McManus took the first two frames with breaks of 48 and 100 before a break of 55 reduced Robertson's arrears.
The left-hander then claimed the next on a re-spotted black after needing a snooker.
The resumption saw Robertson compile a fine run of 79 to go in front for the first time in the match, before a stroke of luck swung the sixth frame in his favour and from then on he was in control.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Interview: Jamie Cope