Rate it!

2 votes

We take a look at rising star Jimmy Robertson, who returns to the pro tour for the third time despite being only 23.

Full name: Jimmy Robertson

Nationality: English

Age: 23 (May 3, 1986)

World Ranking: N/A

Career highlights: Topped English rankings 2006/2007 and 2008/2009. Twice on the pro tour - making his debut as a 16 year-old in 2002/2003. English Amateur Champion 2009.

General: Robertson returns to the pro tour for a third time next season after topping the English rankings. At just 16 was youngest pro on tour first time round and found the experience a little overwhelming. But had few good results in his second campaing, including a victory over Jimmy White in the Grand Prix. Returns to the big time in the form of his life: last season he not only topped the English rankings but went on to win the English Amateur Championship with a 9-8 win over David Craggs in the final.

Strengths: A great potter, Robertson likes to get in amongst the balls to make big breaks. Lists Ronnie O'Sullivan as he favourite player and likes to mirror the Rocket's all-action style. Like O'Sullivan, backs up attacking approach with good safety game, but perhaps doesn't use this skill as much as he should. Experience of two previous campaigns on the pro tour gives him an advantage over other newcomers this season - he will know what to expect.

Weaknesses: As mentioned above, Robertson needs to be more conservative in his game. In the pro ranks it is often the patient players who grind out frames that win in the qualifiers and Robertson needs this match-play mindset if he is to make an impression on tour. Noticeable in his last campaign when he lost a number of the longer, close matches he played, the sort of games he must turn into victories this time around.

Trivia

From Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex, former home to Eddie Izzard, Spike Milligan and John Logie Baird.

Nicknamed 'Robbo'.

Fellow professional Mark Davis is a regular practice partner.

Plays, and works part-time, at O'Sullivan's snooker club.

Highest competitive break a 142 against world championship semi-finalist Mark Allen.

Also enjoys golf and tennis.

Uses two-piece John Parris cue.

Eurosport