Robertson hopes for sweet Maltese win

Australian Neil Robertson has high hopes he can win the Malta Cup come Sunday night as he looks to improve on his season’s form.

The ’Melbourne Machine’, twice a ranking-event winner last season, eased to a 5-1 victory over Wiltshire cueman Stephen Lee in his opening qualifying match at this week’s event.

And having failed to produce his best form so far this season, it is understandable that the world number seven would love to win his first title on Mediterranean soil.

“I think the key for me is forgetting about last season, which is something I’ve found hard to do,” revealed Robertson.

“I think I’ve maybe relied on how well I did last season, maybe thinking that players would slip up against me.

“I’ve got off to a good start in a lot of my matches this season, but taken my foot off the pedal thinking that they’re going to collapse. That hasn’t happened.

“Maybe I’m a bit of a target now and maybe I’m considered to be a good win for a lot of players. It’s taken a bit of getting used too.”

Robertson won the Royal London Watches Grand Prix in Aberdeen and the Welsh Open in Newport.

But the talented left-hander from down under admits he has tried to forget about that memorable success in a bid to improve.

“It’s not so much the pressure of performing, but I’ve put those titles out of mind and forgot about winning those tournaments,” added Robertson.

“As great as it was, and as something great to look back on at the end of my career, you have to forget about it and move on.

“It’s taken a lot of time for me to move on, but there have been a few personal issues and table problems. Those issues have been resolved now.”

Robertson still has to play Belfast’s Joe Swail and Dubliner Ken Doherty if he wants to qualify for this year’s semis.

And with the defence of his Welsh Open title beckoning, the 25-year-old – who celebrates his birthday next week – is enjoying plenty of match practice.

“A lot of players have complained the tournament is too close to the Welsh (Open), but I think it’s great to have the tournament now.

“It’s good to mix up ranking and invitational tournaments, it’s good because even if you lose every game you play it’s really good match practice.

“The more wins I get, generally the more confidence I get. I’d like to go back there and do well.”