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2009 world champion Neil Robertson made a winning start in the Australian Goldfields Open, as he bids for glory on home soil.
The left-hander saw off Nigel Bond 5-2 in the first round in Bendigo, ensuring a continued Aussie presence after Steve Mifsud and James Mifsud were beaten.
Robertson is desperate to win the first ranking tournament held in Australia since the 1970s and help the game gain popularity Down Under.
He said: "This is my first time playing a professional ranking tournament in my country and I'm relieved to get through.
"It would've been a disaster if all three Australians had gone out in the first two days.
"If I won this tournament it would boost the popularity of Australian snooker and the turnout for the first round was pretty good.
"Hopefully we can get some massive crowds and create a fantastic atmosphere for my next match."
Next up for Robertson is Dominic Dale, with the Welshman12/5to cause a big shock, while Robertson is3/10to reach the quarter-finals and4/1to win by a 5-2 scoreline.
Dale disposed of Steve Mifsud 5-2 in the first round.
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