Neil Robertson is delighted with his start to the new season after winning at Kaspersky Riga Masters in Latvia. Roberson dismissed Jack Lisowski 4-2 in the final on Sunday. The Aussie is playing with a new cue and he is adapting well. Having a decent summer break was key to the transition.

“Really pleased with [the new cue], I’m scoring really well it, long potting well. There’s still a little bit of adjustment to be done on some shots but really happy with how well I’ve settled in with it,” he told World Snooker. “It’s a big change for me, I’d used the same cue for 20-odd years. I’ve tried a few new ones since the World Championships. Using a one-piece is also different for me.

“It was good that we got a good six-seven weeks competently off, I think everyone is really refreshed now and ready to go.”

Despite dropping out of the last-16 during last season, Robertson managed to win two tournaments, keeping his proud record of seasonal successes going. He admits it was disappointing to exit from the Crucible in April at the first hurdle, losing to Robert Milkins, but he’s relishing the new term.

“Always to win a tournament [is the target each season]. I’ve managed to do that every year since 2006. I’ve got to try and keep that record up, I’m very proud of that,” he added. “This is the first year I feel I’ve been able to prepare really well before the season started, practice is going really well. I feel great. Last year winning two tournaments was fantastic, most players in the world would take that.

“Just the World Championship is the big one and you want to finish on a high, [I] obviously went out in the first round there. A bit of downer, but overall really pleased.

“Just try and climb up the rankings now. My game is in great shape and I’m looking forward to it.”