Ronnie O’Sullivan is in tears after his historic victory
Couldn’t believe his luck: Ronnie O’Sullivan briefly lost his composure after winning the World Cup
Those: AFP / OLI SCARFF
Ronnie O’Sullivan wins the World Championships in Sheffield and makes snooker history. After the historic victory against Judd Trump, the record world champion is overcome by his emotions. Touching scenes take place.
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 on Monday evening and was crowned champion for the seventh time at the most important tournament in the world.
At the Crucible Theater in Sheffield, O’Sullivan left no doubt as to his dominance, and Monday night’s fourth session didn’t last very long. The world champion collects 500,000 pounds (around 596,000 euros). After 2001, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2020, O’Sullivan, known for his polarizing demeanour, struck a seventh time – the Scot Hendry managed that number of titles between 1990 and 1999.
After his win, O’Sullivan was overcome with emotion. First he hugged his opponent for several minutes and cried, then he hugged his children Ronnie Jr. and Lilly, who also posed in the winning photo. “It’s the best moment I’ve ever had. Without a doubt,” said O’Sullivan after the victory at “Eurosport” and burst into tears again.
“It’s a great honor for me to share the number of World Cup trophies with him. He took 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.
Ronnie O’Sullivan left no doubts about who the best snooker player in the world is in the World Cup final – afterwards the world champion showed emotions
Those: AFP / OLI SCARFF
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.
Outburst of anger in the final
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 on Sunday he had a fight 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 already considered an affront.
Ronnie O’Sullivan (centre) celebrated the world title with his children
Those: AFP / OLI SCARFF
O’Sullivan should also taste the seventh World Cup crowning particularly well because it was suggested to him to say goodbye 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 the content and appeared completely relaxed. He presented the sporty answer in the Crucible Theater.
