Neil Robertson achieved yet another major landmark in his snooker career by becoming just the fourth man in history to produce 1,000 centuries. The Australian is widely considered one of the best players of his generation, having been crowned world champion back in 2010.
Having first turned professional in 1998, Robertson has certainly done the hard yards and at 43 years old, has a remarkable list of achievements to look back on. He joins the likes of Judd Trump, John Higgins, and the so-called Greatest Of All Time, Ronnie O’Sullivan, in having reached four figures for century breaks.
However, the Thunder from Down Under would’ve probably expected more fanfare to have come on the back of his 1000th century break.
It came in front of a tiny crowd of one during a game against Umut Dikme in qualification for the International Championship – a sharp contrast to Trump, Higgins and O’Sullivan, who achieved the feat in ranking events.
That didn’t stop Robertson from milking the situation, with the Aussie raising his hands aloft inside the auditorium, before taking the ovation of the single member of the crowd. When quizzed on reaching the coveted 1000 mark, he said: “It’s a wonderful milestone, as it takes an incredibly long time to do. It takes decades to do.”
It’s the latest achievement in Robertson’s illustrious career, with the world No.3 having recently been given the Order of Australia award for his services to snooker. Speaking earlier this year, he said: “Well to receive the award, you have to do something really special. What was quite surprising was, I think I must’ve been the youngest person receiving the award out of everyone there.
“So that was really special, to receive it and be around so many people that have achieved special things in their lives… it was very inspiring to see. It has to rank right up there [among his best achievements] because for me to get this award, I have to achieve everything in my career first. Without all those achievements, I wouldn’t be able to get it.”
