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O’Sullivan romps to maiden World Seniors Championship crown

Jonathan Davies in World Seniors Championship

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O’Sullivan hit five centuries on the way to glory at the Crucible

Ronnie O’Sullivan roared to his maiden World Seniors Snooker Championship title on Sunday, after a commanding 10-4 victory over Joe Perry.

The Rocket, an overwhelming favourite to go all the way on his first appearance in the event, duly delivered to claim his ninth global crown at the Crucible Theatre.

O’Sullivan added to his seven World professional titles and World under-21 triumph in 1991, to land the top prize of £30,000.

The 50-year-old did it in fine fashion on Sunday, hitting five centuries on the way to recording his 13th successive victory over Perry at all levels.

“This has been a tough tournament to win,” he told 5. “Every match I played felt hard. I know it might not have looked it, but these guys are experienced competitors. In some of the games, I had to really dig deep.

“I just wanted to enjoy the game. I didn’t want to get bogged down. I’ve not been playing regularly for three years, so my confidence is quite low.

“I’m trying to get some confidence going. I’d like to finish my career on a strong note, that’s my only ambition left in the game.”

O’Sullivan, who defeated Ken Doherty, Peter Lines and Robert Milkins on route to the final, came out firing on all cylinders with back-to-back centuries of 109 and 131 for a swift 2-0 lead.

Perry responded with runs of 45 and 57 to get his first frame on the board, but a 113 gave the Rocket his third century, before an 81 moved him 4-1 to the good.

The Gentleman, who lost 10-7 when he players most famously met in the 2017 Masters final, stayed in touch by winning the next two frames, the latter after knocking in a tremendous long black. However, O’Sullivan took the eighth to restore breathing space at the end of the afternoon session.

British Seniors Open champion Perry controlled the opening frame of the evening to move within one, but a wonderful total clearance of 129 helped O’Sullivan on the way to reeling off the next three for an 8-4 advantage.

The Rocket came through a scrappy 13th frame, before a break of 100 got him over the line.

“It’s quite low-key and the standard’s not quite so good, so you’ve got a chance [of doing well], unless you come up against the greatest player of all time!” Perry laughed.

“I love [Seniors events]. Everyone’s here to enjoy themselves and try to put on a show.

“Unless you ever get the opportunity to share a table with Ronnie, you’ll never understand what it’s like. You’re just under pressure from the minute you play him, even if he’s not playing that good.

“It’s always a pleasure to share a table with him. To be able to have one more go at it was an absolute honour.”