History-maker Rockets to 1000th ton in title win
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN last night became the first player to pocket 1000 career centuries as he defended the Players Championship in style.
Rocket was given a standing ovation after sealing history in the final frame of his 10-4 hammering of Neil Robertson at Preston’s Guild Hall.
O’Sullivan was in imperious form as he took a 7-2 lead in the opening session and hit the landmark 1000th ton with a 134 to retain his title.
He said: “I played brilliantly and to cap it off with the 1000th century is special.
“There’s only really Ding Junhui who I’d rather have shared this moment with.
“Neil’s a great human being and an opponent I have a lot of respect for.
“This is one of the best venues we get to play in so it’s nice to make it here where I’ve got a lot of history.
“Preston’s just lucky it was here tonight. It’s a great pleasure I’ve done it for every snooker fan around the world.”
Rampant Rocket pocketed £125,000 by winning his fourth title in just eight events this season – and his fifth crown at the iconic arena.
The five-time world champ now has Stephen Hendry’s record of 36 ranking titles in his sights after his 35th glory.
Aussie ace Robertson said: “I don’t feel Ronnie took me apart – he took the table apart.”