Rocket reckons he needs to improve if he is to see off Judd
Ronnie O’sullivan and Judd Trump will clash in a blockbuster Champion of Champions final today.
The Rocket, 46, hammered Fan Zhengyi 6-2 last night in Bolton to set up a repeat of May’s classic World Championship final.
World No. 1 O’sullivan avenged his shock European Masters final defeat, where he was stunned 10-9 by the Chinese cueman in February.
And now he has his eyes set on once again inflicting final trauma on Trump as he bids to win a record-extending fourth Champion of Champions crown, and the £150,000 top prize.
Ahead of a sixth final in nine appearances at the event he said: “I’m just out there to do a job and try to do my best really.
“It’s a normal return for most tournaments I’ve played in I think.
“I’ve won most tournaments in my career, most multiple times. I think I’ve made 13 Masters finals which is a pretty good return.
“I could sit and talk about this all day long. It doesn’t interest me.
“I’m just here to do a job and see what happens.
Skye Camanachd are Mowi National Division champions after drawing 0-0 with Inveraray at the Winterton.
The Islanders made the 360-mile round trip in the knowledge that a point would pip Beauly to the title, and they were never overly-threatened by a wellorganised Inveraray side.
Speaking afterwards, Skye manager Kenny Macleod said: “You have to win games in many different ways over the course of a title winning season and today was a bit like that.
“We got it over the line, though, and I’m so pleased for the players for all the effort and commitment they have
SNOOKER
“It’s great for everyone who loves their snooker to have a final like this.
“Hopefully I can play a bit better than I have this tournament to give Judd a game. He’s played the best snooker this week and I’ll have to play better.”
The Rocket romped 5-1 ahead with breaks of 117, 89, 86, 62 and 55.
World No. 37 Fan briefly hit back with a match high visit of 123 before O’sullivan completed the job with 53 and 75 runs.
The Juddernaught beat Mark Selby 6-3 on Friday night and is relishing the prospect of another final with his rival.
Trump, who is bidding to join O’sullivan as the only players to defend the coveted crown, said: “It would be really special to defend my title,” admitted the 2019 world champion.
“I haven’t played my best in the early parts of the season but this is an event I really enjoy.
“It’s nice to be back in amongst those games. I enjoy playing the best players on the biggest stages and this is one of those.
“I feel like I would need to up my standard for the final against Ronnie.”
SHINTY
put in over what has been a long season. We can now look forward to Premiership shinty and we’ll be ready for it come the start of the new season.” Beauly are also promoted. After securing their Mowi Premiership status last week, Glasgow Mid Argyll travelled to Balgate where they played out a goalless draw with Lovat.
Meantime, the Newtonmore colts are virtually assured of the Mowi North Division 1 title after beating Lochcarron 10-0.
Craig Macleod scored four and Craig Macisaac a hat-trick whilst Brodie Macbean, Martin Hall and Daniel Craven got the others.