Judd Trump excited for ‘dream’ final clash with Ronnie O’Sullivan

Judd Trump is relishing his “dream” World Snooker Championship final against Ronnie O’Sullivan after the pair came through their last-four clashes in contrasting style at the Crucible on Saturday.

Trump survived an epic fightback from Mark Williams to clinch victory in a deciding frame, while O’Sullivan duly completed a 17-11 win over John Higgins to become, at 46, the oldest player to reach a Crucible final since Ray Reardon in 1982.

As well as a record-equalling seventh world title for O’Sullivan or a second for Trump, plus a £500,000 first prize, the world number one ranking will also be stake over four sessions which conclude on Monday evening.

Trump, who won the title in 2019, said: “It’s always been a dream of mine to play Ronnie in the final. There have been times I didn’t think it would happen, but now it’s here.

“Ronnie was a hero of mine growing up, and he’s already the best player that’s ever lived, but I think he wants to confirm it by winning a seventh title. He tries to play it down, but I think he’s more determined than ever.

“In the past he could lose his head or play absolutely shocking, but now he is so consistent, he doesn’t play any rash shots. I don’t think I can get away with playing at the level I have so far in this tournament to have a chance.”

Trump had seen a 12-5 advantage evaporate against Williams, who clawed his way back to lead 16-15 and move one frame away from what would have been the greatest semi-final recovery in Crucible history, and second only to the nine-frame deficit recovered by Dennis Taylor in the 1985 final.

But having fallen behind for the first time, Tramp rallied to haul level then produced two outrageous cross-doubles in the course of clinching a tension-filled decider,