Ronnie O’Sullivan is back on the snooker throne after a year’s absence and has drawn level with the great Stephen Hendry on world titles.
The 46-year-old Englishman, nicknamed “The Rocket”, defeated his compatriot Judd Trump 18:13 and was crowned champion for the seventh time at the most important tournament in the world. in the Crucible Theatre from Sheffield, O’Sullivan left no doubt about his dominance, the fourth session didn’t last very long. The world champion collects 500,000 pounds (around 596,000 euros).
For O’Sullivan, the tournament went well
After 2001, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2020, O’Sullivan, known for his polarizing appearance, struck a seventh time – the Scot Hendry managed that number of titles between 1990 and 1999. “It is a great honor for me to share the number of World Cup trophies with him. He has taken snooker to a whole new level”, praised Hendry. Adversary Trump was an extra in large phases of the final duel and could never really endanger “The Rocket”.
For O’Sullivan, not only the final, but the entire 17-day tournament went perfectly. Before the final he clearly defeated his eternal rival John Higgins from Scotland with 17:11. The first three rounds against his compatriots David Gilbert (10:5) and Mark Allen (13:4) as well as the Scotsman Stephen Maguire (13:5) did not cause any problems for the player from the island, who is often described as a snooker genius.
“The Rocket” polarizes like no other
O’Sullivan’s career has been beset by addiction and depression. In the gentleman’s sport, “The Rocket” polarizes like no other, which was also evident in the finals. In the first session the day before he had messed with referee Olivier Marteel. First the Primus involved the referee in a loud discussion, later he said in a TV interview on Eurosport: “I think he’s just looking for trouble.” In snooker, such a statement is considered an affront.
O’Sullivan should also taste the seventh World Cup crowning particularly well because he was suggested to leave immediately before the tournament. The Iranian World Cup debutant Hossein Vafaei had criticized the manners of the world-class player. “A lot of what he says frustrates me. What kind of legend are you when you call people idiots?” Vafaei said. It’s time to tell O’Sullivan, “Retire man. Resign.” The Englishman hardly reacted to it in terms of content and was quite relaxed. He presented the sporty answer in the Crucible Theater.
Source: dpa