Neil Robertson*

Q&A

www.worldsnooker.com

Find out why the Grand Prix champion is afraid of sharks and his friends call him a computer geek...

Who do you most admire?
I don't admire any one person in particular. But I admire anyone who can beat an addiction, whether it be alcohol, smoking, drugs, gambling or anything that has a threatening impact on their lives, or their family, but can come through it.

What are you afraid of?
The thing I am most afraid of is great white sharks. I went on holiday when I was back home in Australia on one of the islands around the Great Barrier Reef. I went snorkling and went out on the jet ski quite a lot, and I have to admit that I was a little nervous even though the people who worked on the island said that the sharks didn't come that far north at that time of the year. When I went snorkling with a group of people I always made sure there were people further out in the sea than me!

If there was a film made of your life, who would you like to play the lead role?
I have no idea, but it certainly wouldn't be Eddie Murphy!

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Sleeping in. There is nothing better than waking up early, when you have arranged a practice session with Joe Perry, then going back to sleep. Although I don't do it as much as I used to, or else I would run out of practice partners!

What’s the most trouble you ever got into at school?
I once got into a fight in high school when I was 11, because another boy found out my locker combination and told the whole class. He ended up on the ground unconcious with his eyes open. Everyone was laughing and said I'd killed him! He was ok a short while later...and I got suspended.

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought, apart from a house or car?
It would probably be my computer. I like playing Mmorpgs (Massively multiplayer online role-playing games) so you need a pretty good machine for it. I'm a bit of a geek sometimes and get some flack for it from my mates from time to time.

Is there a piece of music which particularly inspires you?
I do like the song "Lose Yourself" by Eminem. I used to listen to it a lot for inspiration when I first moved to Cambridge as I knew that was my last chance to make it in snooker.

If you had a time machine and could go anywhere forward or back, where would you go?
I would like to travel into the future around the year 5000. It would be a pretty amazing sight, although that's if the planet would still be here!

If you could come back in your next life as any animal, what would it be?
Probably something that could fly, but not in danger of extinction or getting shot at for sport.

Ask Neil

www.worldsnooker.com

Is there something you've always wanted to know about Neil Robertson? Here's your chance to ask him.

Send your question for the Aussie ace, which can be about snooker or his life away from the table, to blog@worldsnooker.com by March 27.

The best ten questions will be answered by Bahrain Snooker Champion Robertson, with the Q&A to appear in the official programme of the World Snooker Championship and on this website. Don't forget to include your name and where you come from in the e-mail.

ROBERTSON GOES LARGE

26 Jul 2007
www.worldsnooker.com
An interview with Neil Robertson went to some 60 millions readers on sina.com earlier this month.
Sina is one of China's biggest websites and the official online partner of the 2007 World Snooker Roewe Shanghai Masters. The interview was also printed in the official newspaper the Shanghai Oriental Daily.

Here's what world No 7 Robertson said:

What is the most important skill or quality for a snooker player?
Handling pressure in big match conditions.

If you weren't a snooker player, what would you be doing now?
Playing cricket

Who is Your toughest opponent ever?
Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and Ding Junhui. Ronnie especially, we are 2-2 in matches right now.

What are your thoughts on the current development of snooker in Mainland China?
It's great to have two ranking events in one overseas region. The Chinese players are really improving and of course Ding's progress helps the develpement of the sport in China.

Who has has influenced your career the most?
My mum and dad - especially my dad when I was around 20 and going through a tough patch - he really inspired me to just keep going.

Do you have a routine or superstition before matches?
No - I just prepare my cue and play!

What's the single best moment of your career?
Winning my first ranking event - the Royal London Watches Grand Prix

What's your favourite sport other than snooker?
Cricket

What are your expectations of Shanghai City?
It looks like a great city - and the I think all the players are excited at the prospect of playing at such a good venue.

Do you ever play right-handed?
I used to and could make century breaks, but I dont think I'd try it in a match.

Are you an offensive or defensive player?
I used to go for the big shots but recently I've tried to balance my game and introduce more of a defensive element - and it's working. You have to take that approach if you want to be consistent and win.