Snooker ace Neil Robertson has been left “heartbroken” just as the World Championship commenced. The Aussie, who lifted the trophy back in 2010, is eager to break his 15-year title drought.
Robertson is hoping for another shot at glory at the Crucible this year, but his chances of becoming a two-time world champion took a major hit after his 7-2 thrashing at the hands of world No. 9 Chris Wakelin on Saturday.
The Aussie is on the verge of an early elimination and will need a near perfect performance for any chance of progressing to the next round in their final session on Sunday evening.
It was prior to his clash with the Englishman that Robertson’s preparations took a hit when fellow snooker pro Joe Perry hung up his cue after bowing out in the qualifiers earlier this week.
Despite knowing Perry’s plans to retire post-World Championship, Robertson was still struck by the announcement. Reflecting on their shared past, the 43-year-old shared: “As another Crucible campaign begins. I just want to mention one of the biggest decisions that happened in my career and it wasn’t mine.
“Joe Perry moving to the same club in Cambridge when I made the big leap over in 2003 to move from Australia. I was so excited to be practicing and watch day in day out a top player in the game to learn from and to pull balls out of the pockets on a very regular basis! I did it without complaining and just admiring how good he was, while still trying to learn.”
He expressed: “@joegentlemanjoe announcing his retirement was heartbreaking and one you hope never to hear when you have been on tour for so long together,” reports the Express.
“Joe and I working together this season has been amazing and has been a huge reason for my turnaround so perhaps there are a few more chapters left to complete working side by side!
“It’s been an absolute honour to practice, play and compete against you for so long and to call you a great friend. Happy retirement mate.”
Known affectionately as the Gentleman, Perry turned professional in 1992, eventually climbing into the top 16 of the world rankings by 2002. Not only did he clinch victory at the Welsh Open, but he also battled his way to the 2017 Masters final, facing a narrow defeat to the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan.
In a strong finish to the season, Robertson has made it to at least the quarter-finals in his last three ranking events and proudly lifted the trophy at the World Grand Prix earlier this year.
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