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Neil Robertson says he is determined to return to his “brutal” best after thrashing Jimmy Robertson 5-0 in the second round of the German Masters.
Australia’s 2010 world champion is in the midst of one of his worst seasons, having suffered five first-round exits from ranking events.
However, runs of 87, 78, 135 and 86 helped the 41-year-old whitewash world number 36 Jimmy in Berlin.
“I want the worst for my opponent on the table,” Neil said.
“I need to get back to being brutal and burying opponents. There are no more happy, smiley handshakes anymore. Away from it [the table] fine, but on the table I want them to suffer.”
While he is currently ranked seventh in the world, the Australian’s dismal campaign to date means he is projected to lose his spot in the top eight and miss out on the lucrative Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker in Saudi Arabia.
He is also on course to drop out of the top 16 and is likely to have to qualify to reach the World Championship at the Crucible in April.
“I’m just really focussed on getting the best out of my performances and doing the best that I can do,” said Neil, who will face Joe Perry in the third round.
“That is super hard work, eating well, sleeping well, diet and physical exercise. There is absolutely no stone which is going to be unturned from now until the rest of the season.”
In Tuesday’s other matches, China’s He Guoqiang claimed a shock 5-1 win over three-time world champion Mark Williams, while 26-time ranking event winner Judd Trump beat Matthew Stevens 5-3.
Mark Allen defeated Louis Heathcote 5-2, defending champion Ali Carter cruised to a 5-1 win over Peng Yisong, John Higgins won 5-0 against Martin Gould and Thepchaiya Un-Nooh edged past Zhang Anda 5-4.
