‘Proudest moment of my career’ – Neil Robertson stunned as former world snooker champion honoured by Australian state
SNOOKER star Neil Robertson has been honoured by the Australian State.
Robertson, 42, has won 24 ranking snooker titles, including the World Championship in 2010 and three UK Championships in 2013, 2015 and 2020.
The Australian cueist is also a two-time Masters winner, with his second victory coming in 2022.
And to commemorate his glittering career, the Australian State wrote to the Thunder from Down-Under to inform him he would be receiving the Order of Australia award (OAM) for services to snooker.
The letter to former World No.1 Robertson said: “Dear Mr Robertson.
“I wrote to you recently advising that you were being considered for an award within the Order of Australia.
“It is now my pleasure to inform you that your Medal of the Order of Asutralia General Division has been approved by the Governor-General in their capacity as Chancellor of the Order of Australia, with effect from Sunday 26 January 2025.
“The Governor-General has asked me to extend their congratulations to you.”
The letter continued by asking him to keep his official new title a secret until it was announced on the “Australia Day 2025 Honours List”, which came out today.
As a result Robertson can now use the initials of OAM after his name.
Taking to social media, Robertson said: “Wow what an honour.
“The proudest moment of my career!
“A kid growing up in Australia I could never imagine something like this.”
The OAM award dates back to 1975 after being established by Queen Elizabeth II on the recommendation of then Australian prime minister Gough Whitlam.
Robertson’s emergence saw him become the most decorated Australian snooker player and most successful outside of the UK.
He is also the only non-UK born player to have completed the coveted Triple Crown.
Many snooker stars rushed to congratulate Robertson on the achievement.
Mark Williams said: “Congratulations.”
Ken Doherty said: “Richly deserved Neil. Congratulations.”
Reanne Evans MBE added: “Congratulations.”