Published On: Thu, Jan 29th, 2026
Sports | 4,772 views

Neil Robertson’s name change, emotional BBC interview and British boos | Other | Sport

2026 German Masters - Day 3

Neil Robertson is in action at the German Masters this week. (Image: Getty)

Everything you need to know about Neil Robertson over the past few years

  • Neil Robertson recently received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to snooker. This prestigious civilian honour allows him to officially add the initials “OAM” to his name, a recognition he described as the proudest moment of his entire professional career.

  • During a tearful BBC interview, Robertson struggled to contain his emotions while discussing the significance of his recent honour. He explained that in Australia, such awards are never “handouts,” making the official recognition of his contribution to the sport deeply meaningful to him personally.

  • Robertson praised Ronnie O’Sullivan’s “true colours” and class in defeat. He recalled how O’Sullivan was exceptionally magnanimous after losing their 2010 World Open final, delivering a complimentary runner-up speech that deeply impressed Robertson’s watching family and set a lasting example of sportsmanship.

  • The Australian star believes the World Championship must eventually leave the Crucible to increase prize money. He argued that the venue’s limited 980-seat capacity prevents the sport from offering a £1million winner’s jackpot, predicting a move to Saudi Arabia may occur after the current contract ends in 2027.

  • He was forced to use an oxygen tank while competing in an exhibition event in Lhasa, Tibet. Situated 3,650 metres above sea level, the high altitude made breathing difficult, leading Robertson to jokingly apologise to Mark Williams for doubting his previous warnings about the thin air.

  • During the UK Championship, Robertson was loudly jeered by the crowd after a cheeky walk-on. He playfully mocked the England cricket team’s struggles in the Ashes by pretending to play cricket shots with his snooker cue case, a move that left the Australian champion laughing despite the boos.

  • After winning the Crucible Cup, Robertson proposed radical rule changes to modernise the sport. He advocated for a universal 20-second shot clock and time-limited frames, arguing that the traditional ruleset, unchanged for over 50 years, needs to evolve to keep the game fast and engaging.