Neil Robertson has credited the assistance of a sports psychologist in revitalizing his career following his victory at the Saudi Masters. Defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-9 in the final, Robertson secured the £500,000 prize money over the weekend, propelling him to third place in the world rankings.
The Australian snooker star, a former world champion, faced setbacks and dropped in rankings before his recent success. Robertson attributes his resurgence to a change in approach and the support of his team, which includes sports psychologist Helen Davis and coach Joe Perry. Drawing inspiration from O’Sullivan’s work with psychologist Steve Peters, Robertson emphasized the impact of seeking specialized mental guidance.
Expressing his gratitude, Robertson highlighted the significant role played by Davis and Perry in strategizing and enhancing his mindset and performance goals. The trio’s collaborative efforts, discussed in a detailed planning session, swiftly translated into on-table success, leaving Robertson amazed by the transformation brought about by Davis’s expertise.
Looking ahead, Robertson is set to compete against Reanne Evans in the Wuhan Open after recent triumphs in the English Open, World Grand Prix, and Saudi Arabia Masters. Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry commended Robertson’s resurgence, acknowledging his return to top form and predicting continued success in upcoming competitions.
Hendry, speaking on the World Snooker Tour podcast, praised Robertson’s speed, positivity, and assertiveness on the table, noting the player’s tendency to dominate matches when at his peak performance level. With Robertson’s form on an upward trajectory, Hendry emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and drive to sustain the current momentum throughout the season’s challenges.