Robertson reveals anxiety has hampered his snooker progress

Jimmy Robertson / Picture: GettyJimmy Robertson / Picture: Getty
Jimmy Robertson / Picture: Getty
Jimmy Robertson reckons his 'anxious' mentality in ranking events has hampered his progress on the snooker table.

The Bexhill-on-Sea potter won his first round match 4-1 against Chen Zifan at the English Open as the World Snooker circuit continues after lockdown.

Robertson’s record fails to do justice to his world No.26 ranking, however, having reached the quarter-finals of ranking events just three times in his career. The south coast star won the 2018 European Masters and says an inability to convert practice form onto the match table has prevented him scooping more silverware.

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“It’s something I’ve been trying to deal with for the past ten years,” said Robertson, 34. “It’s just tough out there sometimes when you’re struggling and low on confidence. You get a bit anxious sometimes but once you're winning, no matter how you’re winning, you can get on a little run, gain loads of confidence and things can change quickly.

“Sometimes in the big occasion you think too much of it - I started working with a different coach a few years back but we parted ways two seasons ago because I thought I was ready to go my own way.

“I feel it’s just a massive confidence game for me and once I can get confidence and get on some runs then I can play half-decent snooker. At the minute, it’s just a matter of getting a few results together and going from there.

“In practice I’m playing really well and feeling confident but out in the arena I’m just struggling at the minute. Hopefully that can get me going and kickstart something. It’s always nice to get a win however it is to get the season started.

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“I was really anxious to get over the line but hopefully I can play better next game.”

Robertson struck breaks of 72 and 65 in the first round duel as he continued his journey under the Marshall Arena lights.

The behind-closed-doors tournament is the maiden Home Nations event to take place since lockdown - and Robertson revelled in swapping potting for pints during the lay-off.

“I drank too much and ate too much over lockdown - like most people I think!” he laughed. "I sat in the garden a lot and the weather was nice, so it was nice to have a bit of time off with the kids at home. It’s nice to be back though and we’re very grateful to have tournaments on.”

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* St. Leonards’ Mark Davis also got his English Open off to a flyer after breezing past Welsh player Daniel Wells 4-1.

World No.40 Davis, a regular practice partner of Robertson, struck composed breaks of 85 and 84 to continue the south coast players’ perfect start to the Home Nations event.

The 2018 runner-up didn’t have it all his own way, however, as breaks of 56 and 51 from world No.55 Wells provided some early resistance.

But a third-frame visit of 84 laid the foundations for Davis’ late assault as the 48-year-old steamed into the last 64 in style.

* Watch the snooker English Open live on Eurosport, Eurosport app and Quest

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