ROCKET: MY SIXTH CROWN IS A DREAM
CHAMP O’SULLIVAN TIPPED TO BEAT SEVEN-UP HENDRY
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN admitted it was a “dream” to win a sixth world snooker title – and was then hailed as “the greatest” by runner-up Kyren Wilson. The Rocket equalled the World Championship tally of boyhood hero Steve Davis and ex-coach Ray Reardon at the Crucible with a 18-8 win over world No8 Wilson. O’Sullivan claimed winning his first world title for seven years was a real shock. He is still one behind Stephen Hendry’s record of seven crowns, but the 44-year-old set a new mark of 37 ranking titles – and Wilson is convinced. O’Sullivan said: “I never usually think about titles but to have all those victories, it’s a dream but
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN joined boyhood hero Steve Davis and former coach Ray Reardon on six world titles on a record-breaking night at the Crucible.
The Rocket claimed his first Betfred World Championship crown for seven years with an emphatic 18-8 victory over world No8 Kyren Wilson.
That made him the oldest world champion since Welsh legend Reardon lifted the trophy in 1978 at the age of 45 years and 203 days with a 25-18 win over Perrie Mans.
But the history did not stop there. This was a 37th ranking title success for O’Sullivan at 44 and 254 days, taking him one ahead of now retired Scot Stephen Hendry.
And it extended his own record to 20 wins in the three major tournaments, also including the UK Championship and the Masters. Almost the only other notable record still eluding him is the seven world titles of Hendry, below, and after such a long wait to close the gap, that is now well within reach.
O’Sullivan picked up by far the biggest winner’s cheque of even his illustrious career, a handsome £500,000 for his 17 days work.
And all thought of his various controversies including calling allowing crowds “irresponsible” and disparaging the ability of younger players were set aside for the night.
It marked the end of an extraordinary World Championship that might easily have never taken place. Only a huge effort from organisers saw a green light given by the Government.
The crowds present on day one before the doors were closed were back after 14 days for the showpiece final, and the lucky 300 roared their approval of O’Sullivan’s feats. World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn, long-time manager and friend of Davis, said: “Ronnie is the greatest player ever.
“Hendry was a winning machine and more dedicated, and Steve in his era was head and shoulders above. But my call on Ronnie is based on all-round ability, and the evidence I have before me. Going past Stephen Hendry’s record ranking titles makes him the best player ever to hold a cue.”
Davis said: “Clearly this win brings into question Hendry’s record of seven – and you would have to say Ronnie can do that now.” Wilson began yesterday afternoon suffering with an upset stomach, and was violently ill before walking out into the auditorium with eyes watering.
He needed to be at his absolute best to challenge a rejuvenated O’Sullivan, who had been all at sea on Saturday and was lucky to be leading 10-7 overnight.
But after Wilson won the afternoon’s first frame O’Sullivan punished a string of errors. O’Sullivan ended up winning the remaining seven frames of the afternoon third session on the spin. He started the final evening session on the brink at 17-8 – and soon secured a famous victory.