Ronnie O'Sullivan sees off Judd Trump to win seventh snooker world title

SHEFFIELD (United Kingdom): Ronnie O'Sullivan equalled Stephen Hendry's modern-day record of seven snooker World Championship titles by stopping a Judd Trump rally in its tracks with an 18-13 win in the final on Monday. The showpiece match at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre was in the balance when the evening session started, with O'Sullivan leading 14-11 in the best of 35-frame contest after 2019 world champion Trump had bounced back from 12-5 down overnight. But having lost his first session of the tournament, O'Sullivan, at 46, the oldest World Championship finalist since mentor Ray Reardon in 1982, surged ahead before sealing victory with a break of 85.

A sporting O'Sullivan, nicknamed the 'Rocket' for his speed round the table and widely regarded as the most naturally talented player in snooker history, paid tribute to Trump by saying his opponent was already an "all-time great" because of his attacking approach. He then played down his achievement in matching Hendry's tally of world titles by telling the BBC: "I've never bothered about records -- when you get them, it's kind of nice, I've never performed well if going for that, I've just tried to enjoy my game. "I don't have targets... 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!" Monday's triumph came 21 years after O'Sullivan first won the world title with Hendry, now a television commentator, saying: "He's taken the game to new levels, he really has. He's got it all."

It was a point endorsed by Trump, who said of O'Sullivan: "It's been a pleasure to share a table with him. It's an amazing achievement and he's the best player of all time." The