LONDON: Former world champion Neil Robertson is ready to launch
his bid for the UK Championship title after recharging his batteries in a rare trip home to Australia.
World number three Robertson won his first title of the season in Coventry last week by beating Mark Allen 10-5 in the Champion of Champions final.
That success came hot on the heels of the 33-year-old's return to Europe after a lengthy break with his family in Melbourne.
"I decided to spend five weeks in Australia over the summer which is something I haven't done since moving to the UK 12 years ago," Robertson told worldsnooker.com.
"It's harder for overseas players like myself and Ding Junhui because we have to make that sacrifice.
"I took my son Alexander and partner Mille to Melbourne and spent a lot of time with family and friends.
"I didn't play snooker at all and missed a few tournaments and I knew it would take me time to find my form again.
"But I'm very happy with the decision. And now I've got a big title under my belt it gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season."
Robertson won the UK Championship trophy in 2013 to become the first overseas player to complete the Triple Crown, having won the World Championship in 2010 and the Masters in 2012.
"I will always have great memories of that moment," said Robertson, who faces amateur Alex Taubman in this year's first round.
"I love York because it's a great venue and we always get great crowds.
"I'll be preparing really well for it this time and trying to get the trophy back."
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