Snooker
Neil Robertson Back on Top: Aussie Ace Hungry for More After Ending Title Drought
Neil Robertson is back in top form after ending his two-year title drought with the English Open win. The Aussie ace is now focused on more major snooker events this season. His comeback has caught the attention of snooker betting fans, who are excited to see how he'll perform in the upcoming tournaments.
Neil Robertson//Getty Images
Top potter Neil Robertson is refusing to rest on his laurels after a long-awaited wait to get back in the winners’ circle.
Two-Year Wait for Ranking Title Ended
Prolific winner Robertson went two years without winning a ranking title before ending his drought by claiming the English Open crown earlier this season.
It’s little surprise the title-hungry Aussie ace is targeting adding to his impressive haul of 24 ranking crowns with some major events on the horizon.
“I think that when you’re working really, really hard on your game and you’re on the right track – and you’re making changes to your game to get the day-to-day structure and preparation spot on for events – it’s nice to get that reward, especially so early on in the season,” Robertson told SportsBoom.com.
Focus on Major Events and the Masters Qualification
“The main goal for the season was to qualify for the Masters, which was a really big task because I was starting the season 27 in the world. And so far, so good.”
“Even if I didn’t qualify for the Masters, the fact that I’ve won the English Open, I’d almost be happy with that.”
“I could have qualified for the Masters and not won anything by getting to semi-finals and finals, but I guess winning a title puts me on a free roll.”
“I don’t have to worry about anything now, I’m looking at the season as a positive.”
I think that’s been really reflective of my season so far, I think I’ve pleased really well.
Neil Robertson Interview
Targeting the UK Championship and Avoiding Qualifiers
Former world champion Robertson survived a scare to beat fellow Crucible winner Graeme Dott in the first round of the Northern Ireland Trophy at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, but then managed to whitewash Wang Yuchen 4-0 in the next round.
The 42-year-old left-hander is well-placed to qualify for the Masters, snooker’s most prestigious invitational event at London’s Alexandra Palace (12-19 December), having climbed to number 16 in the provisional rankings.
The Melbourne man is also focused on qualifying for the UK Championship in York (23 November – 1 December), two of the sport’s famed Triple Crown events.
Robertson is just outside the top 16 cut off for the UK tournament but knows a few more decent results would secure his safe passage in the nick of time, avoiding an unwelcome qualifying match in the process.
Champion of Champions Beckons: "I’m in a Great Position"
His English Open win has also seen him qualify for the respected Champion of Champions tournament next month (11-17 November).
“I’m one of the few players who can win them – and multiple times,” stressed Robertson.
“People don’t just randomly win the UK Championship of the Masters, the fact I know that I’m in that small select group that get the job done, means that I definitely want to be there.”
“But I can’t get too ahead of myself, I know I’ve had a great start in terms of the rankings, so I need to push through with the momentum.”
“I feel as though now, heading into a couple of big events, I’m in a great position.”
“It’s great to be in the Champion of Champions as well, which is an event I missed out on last year, so everything is positive moving forward.”
“I’m really looked forward to every event I play in this season, whereas last year I felt like I was chasing results.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.