The Milk Man

By Elliott West

“I can’t believe it. It is a dream come true”.

Robert Milkins after winning the 2022 Gibraltar Open.

Introduction

A professional from 1995 until the present, Robert Milkins or the ‘The Milkman as he is affectionately known, has always been exciting to watch. Someone who can defeat any player on a good day, Milkins is a dangerous player, who scores heavily and who is not afraid to take on the more ambitious shot choice.

A Bristolian by birth, Robert always enters an arena to the music of The Wurzels rendition of ‘I am a Cider Drinker’ and spent a period under the coaching wing of Terry Griffiths. Instantly recognisable, Milkins brings a ray of sunshine to the green baize, wearing a distinctive waistcoat and a wry smile to match.

Career

Born 1976 in Bedminster Down, Milkins is a man that embraced snooker and quickly realised that he had a talent and wanted to take up the sport professionally. Turning professional in 1995, Robert could be described as the cream in the milk bottle that gradually rose to the top. After an initial lean spell on the table, Milkins reached his first non-ranking final in 1998, losing to Simon Bedford 4-6 in the UK Tour – Event 3.

Reaching his first professional ranking semi-final in 2005, Milkins was defeated in this Irish Masters bout by Matthew Stevens, a match that was so tight, it went down to a deciding frame. A frame that Stevens was able to pinch and won the match 9-8.

In 2009, the Bristolian reached another non-ranking final, this time it was the Pro Challenge Series – Event 3. On this occasion, Milkins was victorious, beating Joe Joggia 5-3.

In 2011, Milkins reached the final of the inaugural Snooker Shootout. In a tournament that fitted his hand like a glove, Robert lost to Nigel Bond 0-1 (62-23). A shame as quite a few players have had their careers boosted as a result of winning this tournament.

In 2012, Robert made the second of his maximum breaks in the World Championship qualifiers. Both had occurred in this round and he was also a semi-finalist in the World Open.

In 2013, Milkins knocked out Neil Robertson of the World Championship to reach the last 16. He was also a semi-finalist at the Wuxi Classic and the Australian Open.

In 2014, the Bristolian made the semi-finals of the International Open and was runner-up in the non-ranking Ruhr Open to Shaun Murphy, losing 0-4. He also achieved an incredible feat by climbing into the top 16 for the first time. This was followed in 2017 by reaching the semi-final of the Welsh Open. He also won the non-ranking Pink Ribbon, beating Rob James in the final 4-2.

In 2018, Milkins beat Neil Robertson at the Crucible to reach the last 16 of the World Championship for the third time.

Subsequently, Robert has done exceptionally well in this year’s World Championship qualifiers. Reaching the Judgment Day of the rounds, he just needs to win one more match to reach this year’s World Championship at the Crucible. A match that involves him beating the very talented Kurt Maflin. A match that he sadly lost 4-10.

Since originally writing this piece, Robert has won his first major ranking title, claiming the Gibraltar Open trophy and £50,000 after his fantastic 4-2 victory over Kyren Wilson in the final. At 46 and after 27 years on the main tour, this is so well deserved for a player and friend who just oozes talent and is definitely one of the best heavy scoring players that I have witnessed in the nearly 40 years of watching snooker.

Summary

Robert Milkins is definitely an emotional player who is not afraid to shed the odd tear when the pressure is ramped up and often produces some great wins. Despite having some personal and private issues off the table, Milkins is slowly getting to a better place and is probably one of the most likeable players you could meet. Even in defeat, he is gratuitous and is always prepared to put in the dedicated practice required needed that comes part and parcel of being a professional player. With 171 career breaks, career earnings of £1,090,665, currently ranked 40th with a high of 12th in 2014, Robert is a handful for any opponent and can clearly scrap out a match when required.