Former world champion Neil Robertson says he is a better player now than when he won at the Crucible.
Left-hander says form is better than 2010 Crucible win
Former world champion Neil Robertson says he has found himself in better form than when he won at the Crucible after going top of the Order of Merit.
The Australian left-hander beat Judd Trump 4-1 in the final of Players Tour Championship event eight in Ireland to claims his second PTC event of the season.
The left-hander conceded just six frames in the seven matches he won at the Killarney Convention Centre, finishing with a comfortable victory over Trump.
Although it was a scrappy affair at times, Robertson says he is overall in better form than when he won at the Crucible in 2010.
"It wasn't the best final but my safety was good and I did what I needed to," said Robertson. "Up until the final I played really well.
"Last season I was crashing out in the first or second round of most of the PTC events so it's great to have won a couple now. My form is looking good with the UK Championship and the Masters coming up.
"I've practised harder than ever this season and I am very solid, even when I'm playing badly. The player who won the world title is gone and I'm a much better player now."
Robertson goes top of the Order of Merit ahead of Ronnie O'Sullivan, and refused to add any negative comments that some have made about the PTC events.
"You won't hear me saying many negative things about them because they are important in terms of promoting the game overseas. Of course we would like to be playing for higher prize money, but if they grow into events with sponsors and TV money then we will benefit."
The PTC is a series of 12 short events, with the top 24 on the final Order of Merit going through to the Grand Final in March, providing they have played in at least three domestic events and three overseas. The next tournament is PTC9 in Antwerp, Belgium, from November 10-13.
