Defending champion Neil Robertson knows he faces a tough task to retain his title at the Royal London Watches Grand Prix.
Australian looking for repeat success in Aberdeen
Defending champion Neil Robertson knows he faces a tough task to retain his title at the Royal London Watches Grand Prix.
The Australian begins the defence of his crown in Aberdeen against qualifier Jimmy Michie on Saturday.
The tournament, which starts with group stages before moving on to a knock-out format, holds special memories for the 'Melbourne Machine'.
His victory in 2006 was his first ranking title, and Robertson admits he is feeling the pressure to do well on his return.
Expectations
"I think there will be a lot of people expecting me to do just as well as last year," he said.
"I think it will be very difficult to repeat that because I'm the only player in the last few years that has won two ranking titles in a season.
"I think this year I'm looking for more consistent performances, making more quarter-finals and semi-finals and then seeing where that takes me."
The 25-year-old - who also won the Welsh Open in 2006 - is hoping a good week in Scotland can kick-start his season after a 5-0 first-round defeat at the Shanghai Masters recently.
"I have a lot of great memories from last year so it would be nice to have a repeat this year," he admitted.
"The season hasn't really kicked off as of yet so I guess I hope to take my practice form into the tournament.
"There are so many great players, so winning tournaments is pretty hard to do these days. I think if you can qualify through the groups, you give yourself every chance."
Group stages
The decision to have a group stage to start the event has proven unpopular with some players but Robertson insists he a fan of the system.
As well as Michie, the world number seven has also been drawn alongside practice partner Joe Perry, Stephen Lee and Joe Swail.
"My group last year was very difficult," he added. "I think all the groups are really tough.
"Two top-16 and two top-32 players in each group is not going to be easy. The most consistent players will get through the groups. You just have to do what you can."
