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Neil Robertson struggled to keep his emotions in check when speaking about the Order of Australia award (OAM) he was given last year. The Melbourne-born potter was granted the achievement for his services to snooker - an award that also grants a unique name change.

That's because Robertson is able to display the initials 'OAM' after his name, with the Aussie having dubbed it the "proudest" moment of his career. Reflecting on the achievement, Robertson said during a teary-eyed BBC interview: "Definitely the proudest moment of my career, of my life really, receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia.

"I knew I was up for the nomination in November, December, and to receive the news that I was going to be awarded the medal was amazing.

"A real sense of pride coming from Australia, the whole ceremony was really special and it's something I wasn't too sure that I would receive. In Australia, especially in sport, it's not a handout and they don't take these awards lightly." Before concluding: "To receive this, like I said, definitely the most special moment of my life."

The former world No.1 has enjoyed a return to form in recent months, including a Saudi Arabia Masters title win earlier this season, as well as a run to the UK Championship semi-finals. It wasn't to be at the Masters though, as Robertson fell to last year's runner-up, Kyren Wilson, in the quarter finals.

The pair played out a thrilling 6-5 Ally Pally classic, with Robertson telling TNT Sports afterwards: "It was a brilliant match, great advertisement for the game. I never really had a chance to do anything, I was a bit fortunate to win the fourth frame. He missed the black. I was able to create some openings for myself, get used to the pace of the table, it really caught me by surprise how quick it was."

He added: "I've had a lot go my way in my career, today was just one of those that did't quite go for me. The last two frames I didn't do anything wrong, Kyren knocked in a terrific long red to force it to 5-5... Kyren is a great champion, composed himself really well to win the match from there. I wish him all the best, I hope he pushes on and does well. He's certainly worthy of that with the performance."