Neil Robertson, the most successful snooker player outside the UK, has expressed his determination to return to top form after he thrashed Jimmy Robertson 5-0 in the second round of the German Masters.
The Australian, who won the world championship in 2010, has been enduring a tough season with five first-round exits from ranking events. However, a strong performance against Jimmy, including impressive runs of 87, 78, 135, and 86, has reignited hopes of a turnaround for the 41-year-old.
“I want the worst for my opponent on the table,” Neil said. “I need to get back to being brutal and burying opponents. There are no more happy, smiley handshakes anymore. Away from it [the table] fine, but on the table I want them to suffer.”
Despite being ranked seventh in the world, Robertson’s poor season puts his top-eight spot at risk, potentially costing him a place in the lucrative Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker in Saudi Arabia. He also faces the prospect of dropping out of the top 16, potentially having to qualify for the World Championship at the Crucible in April.
“I’m just really focused on getting the best out of my performances and doing the best that I can do,” Neil said. “That is super hard work, eating well, sleeping well, diet and physical exercise. There is absolutely no stone which is going to be unturned from now until the rest of the season.”
In a day of surprising results, China’s He Guoqiang clinched a shock 5-1 victory over three-time world champion Mark Williams, while Judd Trump, Mark Allen, and defending champion Ali Carter also secured their places in the next round.
Neil Robertson’s quest to find his top form and reclaim his position as one of the sport’s elite players has garnered extensive attention among snooker fans and pundits. As one of the most successful international players in the game, his journey back to the top will undoubtedly be closely followed in the coming months.