Ticker-tape triumph
Ronnie “Rocket” O’Sullivan enjoys the moment as he equals Stephen Hendry’s modern-day record of seven World Snooker Championship titles after halting a Judd Trump rally in its tracks with an 18-13 win. The final between the English pair at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre was in the balance when the final session started, with O’Sullivan leading 14-11 in the best of 35-frame contest after 2019 world champion Trump had bounced back from 12-5 down. But O’Sullivan, at 46, the oldest World Championship finalist since mentor Ray Reardon in 1982, surged ahead before sealing victory with a break of 85.
A sporting O’Sullivan, nicknamed the “Rocket” for his speed round the table and widely regarded as the most naturally talented player in snooker history, paid tribute to Trump by saying his opponent was already an “all-time great” because of his attacking approach. He then played down his achievement in matching Hendry’s tally of world titles, saying: “I’ve never bothered about records – when you get them, it’s kind of nice, I’ve never performed well if going for that, I’ve just tried to enjoy my game. I don’t have targets ... I like to win but it’s not the be-all and end-all.”
O’Sullivan’s latest victory comes 21 years after he first won the world title with Hendry, now a television commentator, saying: “He’s taken the game to new levels ... he’s got it all.” It was a point endorsed by Trump, who said of O’Sullivan: “It’s been a pleasure to share a table with him. It’s an amazing achievement and he’s the best player of all time.” The 32-yearold left-hander added, modestly: “I was just glad to make a match out of it.”