NEIL BLASTS TRUMP
NEIL ROBERTSON roared into the Betfred World Championship last 16 yesterday and told shock first-round loser Judd Trump to “man up”.
Former world champion Robertson easily beat Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham 10-4 at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.
The 35-year-old Aussie then said world No.2 Trump was wrong to snub the media after his stunning exit to qualifier Rory McLeod.
Robertson, who now faces Marco Fu, said: “Judd must have been hurting like you wouldn’t believe but it is disappointing he hasn’t given some feedback.
Damaging
“He is a great guy but maybe he can learn from Paul Hunter, who always gave interviews even when he was going through cancer.
“No matter how much you are hurting, you give some feedback. It doesn’t have to be 20 minutes. I’m sure he’ll learn from that.”
Robertson has recently given up video games, admitting they had become a damaging addiction.
He said: “It started when I was a teenager, I think it stopped me doing better on the tour first time around.
“My mum had to create an account to log on and see if I was online playing.
“I have an addictive personality and have made a clean break.
“I used to play for 12 hours straight. You can lose years of your life. It was taking over and it is a serious issue.
“In China there are gaming addiction camps where they take kids that are hooked.
“And it could resonate with other sports people. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of my favourite footballers and in his book he talks about playing Xbox and FIFA until 6am.
“When you travel, there are times with not much to do and it can set you on the wrong track.
“This time last year I was talking here after a first-round defeat, so I am very pleased to be through.
“I did the damage in the first session.
“From 8-1 ahead you would have to basically not turn up to lose.”