Neil Robertson on Crucible quest: “I’ve stopped making excuses”
Robertson is looking to double his Crucible title tally at the 12th attempt (Li Ying/Xinhua/Alamy Live News)
World Championship favourite Neil Robertson has never been in greater shape ahead of his latest quest for a second Crucible title.
The Thunder arrives in Sheffield off the back of the most successful season of his career, in which he has captured four titles.
Robertson triumphed at the English Open back in November, while he has also added the Masters, Players Championship and Tour Championship since the turn of the year.
Yet, the Australian’s Crucible record is fairly modest by his standards. An ever-present since 2005, the 2010 champion has only reached the one-table setup on two occasions.
The 40-year-old, who has reached three successive quarter-finals, launches his campaign against debutant Ashley Hugill on Monday.
And the world number three believes he is better equipped than ever to handle anything that comes his way as he looks to become the first multiple overseas winner of snooker’s blue-riband event.