Tweet
Ssb - advance australia fair
Before the World Cup began, I mentioned that the team with the biggest disparity of achievement was Australia, so congratulations to Neil Robertson and Steve Mifsud for qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Mifsud, a very experienced amateur, has played his part to the full in what has been a true team effort.
Like many Australian cueists, he has been inspired by the performances of his celebrated compatriot.
"What Neil has done for Australian snooker over the last six years has really inspired a lot of people back home," Mifsud said.
"The feeling for snooker in Melbourne is really good and there are lots of people playing and it's down to what Neil has done.
"All of the overseas players respect what he has done as they know how hard it is. But it's been a magnificent achievement to go to the UK and break through."
Of course, both Aussies will be heading to Bendigo next week for the Australian Goldfields Open, where Mifsud and his brother, James, have won wildcards.
A proud sporting nation, Australia's favourable climate has generally meant outdoor sport has taken precedence.
Robertson only began playing snooker because his father, Ian, ran a club in Melbourne.
But the more his fellow countrymen are aware of him and his achievements, the more will be inspired to give snooker a go.
The late Eddie Charlton was an industrious promoter who did his best to fly the flag for Australian snooker.
And Robertson, with his flair, personable nature and, most importantly, achievements on the table, can do the same.
More...
Mifsud, a very experienced amateur, has played his part to the full in what has been a true team effort.
Like many Australian cueists, he has been inspired by the performances of his celebrated compatriot.
"What Neil has done for Australian snooker over the last six years has really inspired a lot of people back home," Mifsud said.
"The feeling for snooker in Melbourne is really good and there are lots of people playing and it's down to what Neil has done.
"All of the overseas players respect what he has done as they know how hard it is. But it's been a magnificent achievement to go to the UK and break through."
Of course, both Aussies will be heading to Bendigo next week for the Australian Goldfields Open, where Mifsud and his brother, James, have won wildcards.
A proud sporting nation, Australia's favourable climate has generally meant outdoor sport has taken precedence.
Robertson only began playing snooker because his father, Ian, ran a club in Melbourne.
But the more his fellow countrymen are aware of him and his achievements, the more will be inspired to give snooker a go.
The late Eddie Charlton was an industrious promoter who did his best to fly the flag for Australian snooker.
And Robertson, with his flair, personable nature and, most importantly, achievements on the table, can do the same.
More...