Neil Robertson declared his intention to become a snooker World Champion at a very young age – he was just 11 years old.

At 14, Neil became the youngest player ever to make a century break in an Australian ranking event.

At 16, Neil reached the Last 16 of the IBSF World Snooker Championship.

Neil qualified for the 2000/2001 season of the premier professional circuit, the WPBSA Main Tour, by defeating Robbie Foldvari 8-1 in the final of the Oceania tournament in 2000. Unsettled and uncomfortable away from home, practice conditions were difficult and motivation lacking. Nonetheless, Neil recorded some promising results, including the highest pre-televised break (139) in the World Championship.

Unable to achieve sufficient ranking points, Neil dropped off the Main Tour and missed the 2002/2003 season. Neil concentrated on Australian tournaments, but knew his greatest opportunities lay overseas.

In July 2003, Neil won the World Under-21 Snooker Championship in New Zealand. In addition to his first world title, Neil had earned a precious wildcard spot on the subsequent WPBSA Main Tour. It was during this 2003/2004 Main Tour season that Neil made his mark on the world stage.