Snooker news: Stephen Hendry – 'Winning machine' Neil Robertson will be judged on world titles

Stephen Hendry has described Neil Robertson as the best player on planet snooker, but believes he needs to prove it by becoming a multiple world champion. The seven-time Crucible winner Hendry watched on in awe as Robertson claimed his third major trophy of the season following triumphs at the English Open and Masters by filleting an unfortunate Barry Hawkins 10-5 in a Players Championship final brimming with astonishing quality in Wolverhampton. Ad/> Why Neil Robertson’s class extends beyond the snooker table All-time top 10: What are Neil Robertson’s greatest moments? ‘Not too late’ – Can Robertson solve the great Crucible mystery? Players ChampionshipRobertson triumphs over Hawkins in Players Championship final15 HOURS AGO World No.

9 Hawkins also lost 10-4 to Robertson in the Masters final last month, but performed at a higher level to recover from 5-1 and 7-3 behind to trail 7-5 on Sunday, but was ultimately rendered helpless as Robertson's scoring power and long potting held the key to a dominant victory. «I don't think I did much wrong, Neil was in devastating form today,» said Hawkins, who made his 400th career century with a run of 137. «When someone is playing like that, especially Neil, it is hard to keep hold of him.

He played fantastic all day really.» Hawkins also rolled in breaks of 91, 55 and 61, but was left to admire the quality of Robertson's fare as rousing contributions of 107, 105, 130, 58, 64, 54, 116, 51 and 69 saw him collect the trophy and the £125,000 winner's cheque. /> «He exudes confidence and is a serial winner,» said Hendry. «Who is going to stop him? Neil Robertson is proving why he is the best player in the world by winning titles.