Neil Robertson left bedridden as ‘breathing a challenge’ in worrying health statement | Other | Sport
Neil Robertson has revealed that he has been fighting a health battle after picking up a nasty illness in China. The 2010 world champion recently played at the Xi’an Grand Prix, beating Ishpreet Chadha in his opening match before losing at the hands of He Guoqiang. Mark Williams became the oldest ranking title winner in snooker history with a hard-fought triumph over Shaun Murphy in the final.
Robertson has since opened up on the illness which has left him bedridden since returning home from China. His condition was so bad that he was forced to announce his withdrawal from the upcoming Northern Ireland Open. In a message on social media, the Aussie reassured his followers that he was on the road to recovery after going through ‘one of the worst experiences’ of his life.
“Hey guys, after coming back from China I picked up a brutal respiratory virus in Xi’an that didn’t hit me until Sunday,” explained Robertson.
“It made breathing anything above 40 per cent a challenge and bed ridden for almost six days. I’ve never experienced anything like it and can quite honestly say it was one of the worst experiences I’ve gone through.
“I’m on the mend now but still quite a way to go, and for this reason I had no choice but to withdraw from Northern Ireland. It’s the only home nation event I haven’t won so it was high on my agenda this season. It’s a shame to miss it but sadly had no choice.”
Robertson is regarded among snooker’s most recognisable figures as well as being one of the greatest players of his generation. He will be hoping to make a full recovery as soon as possible as he looks to get back on the baize over the coming weeks.
The man from Melbourne, who secured victory at the World Grand Prix earlier this year, recently changed his name after receiving a prestigious honour in his home country.
He was given the illustrious Order of Australia award at the turn of the year and was permitted to include the initials OAM at the end of his full name.
“To receive the award, you have to do something really special,” he said. “What was quite surprising was, I think I must’ve been the youngest person receiving the award out of everyone there.
“That was really special, to receive it and be around so many people that have achieved special things in their lives. It was very inspiring to see.
“It has to rank right up there [among his best achievements] because for me to get this award, I have to achieve everything in my career first. Without all those achievements, I wouldn’t be able to get it.”
