Neil Robertson cue with ‘new technology’ leaves pundits dumbfounded as Aussie reveals secret to form revival
Neil Robertson believes that a state-of-the-art cue has helped him return to his best.
The Aussie snooker ace swept beyond world No.1 Judd Trump at the German Masters last month, whilst his bid to secure automatic qualification for the World Championships is looking stronger by the day. But the Thunder from Down Under, who staged an incredible comeback from 5-1 down to knock John Higgins out in the first round of the Masters in January, has left pundits dumbfounded after crediting "new technology" in his cue for the revival.
Speaking during his World Grand Prix clash with David Gilbert, veteran pro Dominic Dale pledged to find out what the tech was - after spotting subtle changes. TNT Sport commentator Philip Studd said: "Neil Robertson was talking very excitedly about changes that had been made to his cue. He talked about new technology, in his words, which he feels is enabling him to start playing shots that he hasn’t been able to for many years.
"Quite what those changes would’ve been, I’m not sure. But he was certainly very encouraged by the way he’s been playing in practice and in build-up to this tournament." Dale replied: "I don’t know what this new technology is, I’ll have to try and find out. Something I did notice in Neil’s opening match is that normally you can see, under the butt of the cue, this shiny brass mini-butt socket.
"I’m sure I caught a glimpse of Neil’s cue at the opening match and it appears to be lacking colour. I don’t know if he’s had something done to the butt of the cue, something with the weight or the balance. A different butt socket put in.
"I’ve no idea, I can think of a couple of cue makers who use a different type of butt socket joint and a weight system. But I don’t know.
"It certainly won’t be anything to do with the shaft of the cue. There are certain technologies in American nine ball pool whereby the top five inches or so at the top of the shaft are drilled out and some expanding foam filler is put in to obviate any mass in the end of the cue which can cause ball deflection.
"It’s all very scientific, but there’s no way a snooker player would risk anything like that. So whatever he has had done to the cue it’s definitely in the butt end."
