Ronnie ready for old rivalry
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN kept his bid for a record-equalling sixth UK Championship title on course last night.
He beat Martin Gould 6-3 at York’s Barbican Centre to set up a semi-final with Stephen Maguire.
O’Sullivan beat Maguire 10-2 in the 2007 UK final, and even longer ago predicted the Scot would “dominate for a decade” after losing to him in this event in 2004. World No20 Maguire, 36, lifted the trophy that year but has not lived up to that lofty billing.
O’Sullivan said: “Stephen is a great player, looks to be hitting it well and it should be a really good match. He beat me up in 2004 and has obviously remembered that comment I made. He’s right, I do talk some b ******* !” Maguire survived a rally to beat Joe Perry 6-3 and when asked about O’Sullivan’s prediction, said: “He does talk some b ******* sometimes! He brings the crowd and is an entertainer. It’s an easy one to get up for and if I lose I’ll be devastated. He’s the best and one of the few players I’d pay to watch. He’s playing better than ever. “I was fearless back in 2004 but you do get battle scarred. I still like to think I’m an attacking player.” WARRINGTON have bought teenage prospect Luis Johnson from Super League rivals Castleford for £45,000. The imposing 19-year-old forward, an England academy international, has signed a four-year deal.
He is noted for his outstanding physical prowess and aggressive style. Johnson said: “I’m really excited to be signing for Warrington – I can’t wait to get stuck in.”