Cueing up for the snooker world championship- Neil Robertson
Bettor.com profiles the main players and outsiders for this year’s world championship
It is hard to believe that Neil Robertson is not everyone’s cup of tea. The left-handed Australian has been a threat at most of the ranking events over the last few seasons. He is the reigning Grand Prix champion, having beaten Ding Junhui in the final after overcoming world champion John Higgins in an epic semi-final encounter.
Robertson is one of the most dangerous players on the circuit. Mark Williams used to be renowned for being the best single-ball potter around but, over the last few seasons, Robertson has taken this mantle. When he is presented with a chance at a long pot, he doesn’t hold back, and he will go for it.
Robertson has won four ranking events in his career. He made his breakthrough in 2006, winning the Grand Prix against Jamie Cope. He is also the only man to have won a ranking event title in each of the last four seasons. It is difficult to understand why he is not a favourite amongst some fans. His style of play is the embodiment of the modern era of snooker; attacking, fast and very fluid. It is no surprise that Robertson does well in the shorter formats of the game, so what is not to like?
However, he has also managed to adapt his game to suit The Crucible atmosphere, and last year narrowly lost to Shaun Murphy in the semi-finals. Murphy led 14-7, only for Robertson to come back and level the match. Murphy eventually won 17-14, but he was made to work extremely hard for it. Robertson was unfortunate not to make the final, and he has proved to many that he can play in the long matches.
Robertson is a colourful character, and his spirit epitomises the way the game should be played. He plays with a smile on his face and always has a laugh with his opponents. Famously last season, he revealed in an interview that he was so delighted to win a certain frame he was either going to scream, or hit someone in the crowd. Luckily for someone in the front row, he screamed.
Robertson is a good outsider to become world champion. He showed last season that he can play under intense conditions at The Crucible. As a four-time ranking event winner, he will fancy his chances of having a good Sheffield run.
He wants to go one better, and a bit of Aussie grit could see him achieve this.
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