Judd tribute blew me away – Ronnie
RONNIE O’Sullivan has opened up on the emotional embrace he received from Judd Trump after winning his seventh World Championship title.
O’Sullivan held a strong lead heading into the afternoon session but Trump battled back to 14-11 after winning six of the eight frames played.
Pressure was mounting for the Rocket to turn that form around in the evening session with a chance at history on the cards. And he rolled back the years with some brilliant runs, winning 18-13, in the end, to match the all-time record of Stephen Hendry.
O’Sullivan also became the oldest world champion in Crucible history at the age of 46. Viewers were left stunned after the special moment between the two finalists when O’Sullivan went up to hug Trump.
The pair were pictured speaking for over a minute with O’Sullivan seen welling up during the embrace. And O’Sullivan has explained just how much that moment meant to him.
O’Sullivan told BBC Sport: “As far as I’m concerned this fella [Judd Trump] is already an all-time great the way he plays the game. I tried to be as relaxed as I could, but that is probably the greatest result I’ve had against somebody like Judd.
“To put up with that pressure for two days, even when he’s not playing well, you think he’s going to spark into action. So you’re having to be on your guard at all times. That’s probably the greatest result I’ve ever had, against someone like Judd.
“With Judd, we all knew that he wasn’t playing his best, but that’s what a champion does. They don’t play their best, they still get to the final and nearly win it. He’s going to be winning this a few times and the other guys better get their act together.”
O’Sullivan added on Eurosport: “I gave him a big hug and I was just sobbing in his arms. And he said such lovely words.
“What he said to me blew me away, to be honest. It just blew me away. I love Judd.
“I love him, he’s a great lad, and I didn’t realise what he thought of me until then. Different respect there, you know. I didn’t realise how he sees me and how I’ve been part of his development. He’s great for snooker. What he said, Judd. It just done me in.”
His tears continued when his two children rushed down to see him before he took a seat in his chair to compose himself. O’Sullivan needed a moment to wipe away his tears with his towel before stepping back up to be handed his seventh world title.
Hendry has held the record for most world championships since 1999 and, while O’Sullivan has downplayed his record-equalling feat, the 46-year-old has confirmed he will be back next year to defend his crown.
“We can share it for a year. I tried to be as relaxed as I could, but that is probably the greatest result I’ve had against somebody like Judd,” O’Sullivan said.
“I’ve never bothered about records. When you get them, it’s kind of nice. I don’t have targets. I’ve loved every tournament this year, I’ve just loved playing.
“I like to win, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. The Crucible brings out the worst in me. It’s probably not the best idea but we’ll probably go again next year.”