Robertson won the world title in May this year

Neil Robertson says he is proving he is capable of carrying the expectation of being snooker's world number one.

The Cambridge-based Australian, 28, kicked off the new season with victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan in the World Open final in September.

"I couldn't have got a better start," he told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"I've answered any questions that were asked of me in terms of whether or not I could withstand the pressure of being world champion."

He added: "To come out in the first BBC [televised] tournament of the season and beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in the final is fantastic."

Robertson has had the most successful year of his career in 2010, becoming the first Australian to win the World Championship and then going on to top the rankings and victory in the World Open.

It has been a contrasting 12 months for practice partner Joe Perry though.

I think it's just confidence - once Joe starts winning a few matches I'm sure he'll climb back up the rankings Neil Robertson on Joe Perry

The Chatteris potter, 36, was as high as 12th in the rankings at the end of the 2007/08 campaign but has tumbled to 28th.

Robertson, who trains at WT's Snooker Club in Cambridge with Perry, has backed his friend to climb out of the mire.

"I think he's struggling to get a couple of good results really," he said.

"It was only a year and a half ago he was provisionally four or five in the world.

"I think it's just confidence, and once he starts winning a few matches I'm sure he'll climb back up the rankings."

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