‘It’s a dream to play Ronnie in final’

JUDD TRUMP is relishing his ‘dream’ World Snooker Championship final against Ronnie O’Sullivan after the pair came through their last-four clashes in contrasting style at the Crucible yesterday.

Trump survived an epic fightback from Mark Williams to clinch victory in a deciding frame, while O’Sullivan duly completed a 17-11 win over John Higgins to become, at 46, the oldest player to reach a Crucible final since Ray Reardon in 1982.

As well as a record-equalling seventh world title for O’Sullivan or a second for Trump, plus a £500,000 first prize, the world number one ranking will also be stake over four sessions which conclude on Monday evening.

Trump, who won the title in 2019, said: ‘It’s always been a dream of mine to play Ronnie in the final.

‘Ronnie was a hero of mine growing up, and he’s already the best player that’s ever lived, but I think he wants to confirm it by winning a seventh title. He tries to play it down, but I think he’s more determined than ever.’