Thunder From Down Under Delivers Bonza Bonanza

Australian Neil Robertson beat Graeme Dott 18-13 to become the first player from outside the UK to win the world title since Ranelagh Raider Ken Doherty in 1997 & joins 1980 champ the Rhett Butler Of the Green Baize Cliff Thorburn as the trio of members of a very exclusive club- the overseas World Snooker Champions.The Aussie surfer dude, who rises to number two in the world, had trailed 5-3 but having edged ahead, kept his nose in front despite not being at his best.Big breaks were at a premium in a tense and error-ridden final, with Scotland’s Dott knocking in the only century.Robertson sunk the last ball at 0054 BST to secure his first world crown, so not quite as late as the much vaunted classic from 25 years ago when dennis Taylor sunk the final black in the final frame at 0130 BST to produce the greatest comeback in the tournament’s history.It was a gruelling, but gripping, climax to a fantastic tournament with the players equalling the record set by John Higgins and Mark Selby in 2007 for the latest ever finish to a Crucible final.There will be huge celebrations in Robertson’s home city of Melbourne as the country watched the 28-year-old become the first Australian to lift the famous trophy and pick up his fifth ranking title.Despite neither player being unable to replicate the phenomenal break-building skills showcased earlier in the 17-day tournament, there was certainly no shortage of tension as the pair traded blows in an edgy contest.Having racked up seven centuries at this tournament, Robertson’s highest knock in this clash was only 90, but at the crucial times, his safety, tenacity and long potting proved enough to see off his battling opponent.Just moments after potting the final ball of the clinching frame, Robertson said the support of his family – who had flown over from Australia in time for the final – made the occasion even more special.
I had all that pressure to contend with but hopefully this is the start of something.This is absolutely incredible,” Robertson, who will receive a cheque for £250,000 for his achievement
“I seriously can’t believe it. In my last-16 match I was 11-5 down to Martin Gould and after my (semi-final) match with Ali Carter I was really disappointed I couldn’t have any of my family over for the final.Then I got a voicemail from my mum to say that when I was 15-9 up overnight against Ali, she had jumped on a plane, so it was quite lucky I finished the job off!
My mum and her partner have travelled for ages and they only got two hours’ sleep before the final, so for them to be here makes it absolutely perfect what is going on right now.”Robertson went one better than compatriot Eddie Charlton, who reached three finals in the 1960s and 1970s, and he said he hoped his success would give the sport a major boost in Australia.”Obviously Australians love Olympic and world champions,It would have been a big blow if I had lost in the final. I had all that pressure to contend with but hopefully this is the start of something and we can have an event there now.”Dott, the 2006 Crucible winner, has battled with depression and a downturn in results in recent seasons, but found his form at the right time to reach his third world final.But the 32-year-old did not quite hit the heights in the final, and admitted that Robertson had fully deserved his victory.”He was far and away the better player: how I managed to get 13 frames I don’t know,I am obviously disappointed to lose in the final and not really perform. But I needed to get to the semi-finals to get back in the top 16 and I have played really well, so hopefully I will be back for next next year.”

Bob "The Voice" McKenzie Twitter: @BobTheVoice About: