Ronnie O’Sullivan insists he will “probably go again” at the World Snooker Championship next year in a hint he has no plans to retire just yet after being moved to tears. The Rocket became the oldest world champion ever at 46 by beating Judd Trump 18-13 in the final at the Crucible. He matches Stephen Hendry’s modern era record of seven titles.
O’Sullivan, who picked up a £500,000 top prize, took four of the six frames on Monday evening to wrap up his record-equalling feat. His seventh triumph comes 21 years after his first and sees him eclipse Ray Reardon, who was 45 in 1978, as the oldest ever winner.
But The Rocket, who embraced runner-up Trump for more than a minute and then burst into tears when hugging his children, has suggested he’s going nowhere just yet. O’Sullivan now holds 39 ranking titles and told the BBC: “I honestly don’t have targets. I’ve loved every tournament this year, I just love playing. This has brought out the worst in me to be honest!
“I’ve detached emotion for the last seven or eight years, I do treat every tournament like a training camp, I do my gym, do my running, I eat good food. I like to win but it’s not the be-all and end-all. I love competing with the guys and being around the guys. This just brings out the worst in me! I don’t know if it’s a good idea but we’ll probably go again next year.”
Losing finalist Trump meanwhile labelled O’Sullivan, who holds near every major record in the sport, as the greatest player ever to pick up a cue after being denied the chance to become only the seventh multiple champion ever.
Trump said: “Firstly I just want to say massive congratulations to Ronnie. It’s been a pleasure to share a table with him. He’s always been so good to me throughout my career, letting me practice with him when I was younger. It’s an amazing achievement and he’ll go down as the best player of all time.
“He just keeps getting better and better. His determination and dedication, you can see it out there. He barely misses the ball over the 31 frames. He was the best player this tournament by quite a distance. I was just glad to make a match out of it this afternoon!”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures, and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit:/sport
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion, and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real-time.
We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos, and pictures throughout the day to like, comment, and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and Express.co.uk.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
