Neil Robertson is targeting success at the Betway UK Championship in York following his victory at last week’s Champion of Champions.
The world number three from Australia won his first title of the season in Coventry by beating Mark Allen 10-5 in the final. And the 33-year-old now heads to the York Barbican for the first Triple Crown event of the 2015/16 campaign.
The BBC-televised tournament runs from November 24 to December 6, with 128 players chasing the coveted trophy and a top prize of £150,000.
Robertson won the title in 2013, beating Mark Selby 10-7 in the final, to become the first overseas player to complete the Triple Crown, having won the World Championship in 2010 and the Masters in 2012.
“I will always have great memories of that moment,” said Robertson, who faces amateur Alex Taubman in the first round this time. “I love York because it’s a great venue and we always get great crowds. I’ll be preparing really well for it this time and trying to get the trophy back.”
Robertson made a slow start to the current season, losing his opening match at his first three events. But he has since built momentum, reaching the quarter-finals of October’s International Championship and then going all the way to the title in Coventry.
“I decided to spend five weeks in Australia over the summer which is something I haven’t done since moving to the UK 12 years ago,” he said. “It’s harder for overseas players like myself and Ding Junhui because we have to make that sacrifice.
“I took my son Alexander and partner Mille to Melbourne and spent a lot of time with family and friends. I didn’t play snooker at all and missed a few tournaments and I knew it would take me time to find my form again. But I’m very happy with the decision. And now I’ve got a big title under my belt it gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.”
Sponsors Betway make Robertson the 11/2 second favourite in a wide open betting market. Judd Trump edges favouritism at 5/1.
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Among the other star names battling for the crown in York will be Mark Selby, Judd Trump, Shaun Murphy, John Higgins and Stuart Bingham.
For the full draw and format see http://www.worldsnooker.com
Tickets for the final session on December 6 have already sold out, and other sessions are selling fast so fans are urged to BOOK SEATS NOW. Tickets start at just £6, for more information visit http://www.worldsnooker.com/tickets
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