| Place: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield Day: May 1-2 |
| Network coverage: Watch live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and mobile app |
Ronnie O’Sullivan won her seventh world championship with an 18-13 victory over Judd Trump to equal Stephen Hendry’s record in the modern era.
O’Sullivan, 46, became the oldest world champion in Crucible history, surpassing Ray Reardon, who won his sixth title at age 45 in 1978.
Trump won six of the eight Monday afternoon time slots to roll back November 14.
But O’Sullivan sealed his win and the £500,000 top prize when he won four of the first six frames of the evening.
‘The Rocket’ enjoyed runs 82, 88, 75 and 85 – and shared an emotional hug with Trump, lasting over a minute, towards the end of the game before greeting his children, who all ran into the arena to share how special he was. interval.
O’Sullivan’s victory will add fuel to any debate over who is the greatest snooker player of all time.
The British tennis player has now won 39 ranking titles and holds almost every major record in the game.
When asked about emulating Hendry’s record at the Crucible, set in 1999, O’Sullivan told BBC Sport: “We could share it for a year. I tried to be as relaxed as possible. , but that’s probably the best result I’ve had against someone like Judd [Trump].
“I’ve never bothered about records. When you get them, that’s great. I don’t have a goal. I love every tournament this year, I just love to play.
“I like to win, but it’s not the be all and end. Crucible brings out the worst in me. It’s probably not the best idea but we’ll probably continue next year.”
Despite taking a substantial seven-frame lead overnight, O’Sullivan’s success was no joke, with Trump staging a stunning fight Monday afternoon to lift the 12-5 deficit back up. 11/14.
It saw O’Sullivan lose his first session at the Championship as Trump, who performed badly on Sunday, produced his best form in the final to witness second biggest change in Crucible history – after Dennis Taylor’s famous revival from 8-0 down to a 1985 final win over Steve Davis.
A superb 107 was a hit as he made five of the first six frames of the day and he added pressure with a sublime 105 after benefiting from a fluffy red.
But in front of an ardent Crucible crowd, O’Sullivan immediately eased the pressure on himself as the game progressed into the evening with some significant contributions following errors from Trump, who applied comprehensive attack policy.
Trump, however, delivered another moment of Crucible history with the tournament’s 109th record – fittingly, with a 109 difference – to close the gap to 17-13, before O’Sullivan finished. Clinically his victory in style .
“I’m glad I did it,” Trump said. “It was a pleasure to sit at the table with him.
“It’s an incredible achievement and he’s the best player of all time – he just keeps getting better.
‘His career longevity is amazing’ – analysis
Six-time champion Steve Davis
He is playing in a field of players much stronger than previous generations and that is why he needs many more years to be able to match Stephen Hendry’s seven titles.
His career longevity is amazing because it didn’t happen to me and it didn’t happen to Stephen either.
I think what he has achieved is remarkable. There have been highs and lows along the way, but he has done well to cope with everything.
He’s someone everyone wants to question, but he’s got talent. The pressure he can handle is amazing.
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