Rocketwillbe outtomakeit third-timelucky
Ronnie O’sullivan is desperate to make it third-time lucky in today’s Northern Ireland Open Final.
The world champion has agonisingly lost the last two finals 9-7 to world No. 1 Judd Trump.
But the Rocket is one step away from landing a record-extending 38th ranking title after beating Ali Carter 6-3 in their semi-final grudge match yesterday.
Carter famously beat arch-rival O’sullivan at the World Championship two years ago in a match dubbed “bargegate” after the Rocket barged into him.
“I’m just happy to be in a final,” admitted the six-time Crucible King. “I’ve had a dodgy start to the season. “To be competing in a final instead of watching it is nice.
“I’m never happy to settle for what I’ve got, I always want more.
“I’m always trying to get better and that’s the mindset I have – to be the best player I can.
“I haven’t been practicing enough to get to that top level you need to win tournaments.
“I’ve not been too disappointed with myself because I feel like I’ve been playing OK.
“I’ll try my best and we’ll see what happens.”
Misfiring O’sullivan found himself 3-1 behind at the interval as the Captain pocketed a top break of 71.
But the Rocket fired after the resumption with a string of brilliant breaks.
The world No. 2 moved one step away from the £70,000 top prize with match breaks of 100, 78, 66, 93, 102 and 59.
“I got outplayed in the first four frames. I couldn’t make an impact on the game,” reflected the Rocket.
“You always have that hope if you can find a bit of momentum you can get back on top.
“I was just trying to stay in control of my emotions and stay focused.”
Carter banked £20,000 for his progress to the last-four.
But he hit out at his nemesis’ mind games for playing on for snookers when frames were out of his reach.
The two-time Crucible finalist said: “He’ll do anything to win at the end of the day and that’s the extra mile he’s willing to go to.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all because that’s what he does as soon as he’s losing.
“The thing is he’s so good he doesn’t need to do that. But he thinks he does, so good luck to him.”