News Beat
Snooker ace Neil Robertson reveals how Hollywood superstar became his mentor with ‘awesome’ Twitter exchange
NEIL ROBERTSON has become shock pals with Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe – after mentioning him in an interview at the German Masters.
The Aussie, 43, claimed he felt like the Oscar-winning actor in the hit film Gladiator after comparing the Tempodrom in Berlin to the Colosseum following a 6-1 win over Shaun Murphy in the semi-finals.
And Crowe ended up reaching out to Robertson when he was alerted to the comparison.
It came as a shock for the world No3, who now sees the 61-year-old New Zealander as a surprise mentor.
Six-time Triple Crown title winner Robertson said: “Russell Crowe actually tweeted me after that interview.
“That was awesome! It was screenshotted instantly that one. It was nice to see that interview somehow find its way to him.
“I think when you get down to that semi-final stage the tournament becomes amazing. It is a wonderful venue.
“We have a few now that are a little bit different, and this is one the players are desperate to get to.”
Robertson has already booked his place in the last 32 of the German Masters without having to pot a single ball.
He received a bye after Scottish Open finalist Chang Bingyu was forced to pull out of the competition due to visa issues.
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And Robertson will now open his campaign against world No27 Pang Junxu in Berlin.
The Melbourne potter is looking to get his hands on the German Masters title for the first time in his career.
His best run came in 2020, when he reached the final but suffered a 9-6 loss to Judd Trump.
The competition gets underway tomorrow, with the final being held on February 1.
The winner of the Brandon Parker Trophy will pocket £100,000 in prize money.
