STATE OF REUNION PUTS NEIL IN FRAME
Dad boosts hope for world title
AUSTRALIA’S Neil Robertson admits an emotional reunion with his dad saved his season and has left him eyeing a second world title.
The 39-year-old laid down a huge marker for next month’s Betfred World Championship by crushing Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-4 in Sunday’s Tour Championship final at Celtic Manor.
But just weeks ago the Cambridgebased star was close to taking six months off, having not seen family from Down Under for two years.
However, without Robertson’s knowledge, concerned wife Mille, seeing the deteriorating state of his mental health, tirelessly lobbied the Australian government.
And Australia allowed dad Ian, who also has British citizenship, to fly from Melbourne, observing strict Covid rules.
World No3 Robertson said: “It has made me cry like a baby just thinking about it. He arrived just before the Tour Championship.
“I was really struggling. I pulled out of the Welsh Open in February after actually driving halfway to the venue.
“I stopped the car, called Mille and told her I just didn’t want to play snooker any more. I didn’t see any end in sight.
“She told me to come home. I needed time for a plan to want to compete again, and get my head right.
“It was the first time I’ve felt that down and homesick since coming to the UK in 2003. At the time Australia weren’t letting anyone out of the country.
“But the whole thing has given me a huge mental lift, and that is important looking to the World Championship. Half the battle at the Crucible is wanting to be there and battling it out.
“Now it is a completely different mindset. I can’t wait to play in Sheffield.
“And I owe it all to Mille, she did something amazing and moved mountains to get him over here.
“She saw me struggling and without my knowledge started writing letters, including to the Australian government. And finally, they permitted a visit abiding by some very strict rules.
“When she told me he was booked on a flight, my whole outlook changed in a
His visit has given me a huge lift
second.
“He is 60 this month and retired now. And he’ll be here for the World Championship as I think he has to stay three months.”
Meanwhile, reigning and six-time world champion O’Sullivan must recover from a record fifth final defeat this season before defending his title at the Crucible.
He said: “Maybe losing these finals is something to do with my approach to the game now, there could be some loss of hunger and that is why I am not getting over the line.”