Ronnie O’Sullivan has claimed his seventh snooker world title, sharing an emotional moment with opponent Judd Trump after the win was sealed.
The often-controversial superstar has been the most popular and polarising player in the world of snooker for more than two decades now – and for many of the younger breed of players, he’s someone who they grew up idolising.
Trump, who was 11 when O’Sullivan won his first world title in 2001, fits that bill – and the pair shared a long embrace after O’Sullivan triumphed, 18-13.
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“I just never thought it would happen – I just gave him a big hug and I’m just sobbing in his arms, and he just said such lovely words,” O’Sullivan said afterwards.
“What he said just blew me away, to be honest with you.”
Fans and pundits alike were happy to keep the words private between the two players, but O’Sullivan did give some insight into what was said.
“He’s a great lad, and I didn’t realise what he thought of me until then,” he said.
“I didn’t realise how he sees me, and how I’ve helped or how I’ve been a part of his development, if you like.
“And it’s great for snooker that we’ve got someone like Judd playing the way he plays.”
O’Sullivan’s win ties Stephen Hendry for the most in snooker history, a moment that many thought would never come. O’Sullivan has had plenty of moments where he looked like he was done with the sport entirely, having had clashes with administrators and other players, as well as expressing a general disdain for snooker itself.
“That’s my best result ever, I think,” he said.
“What you said Judd has just done me, done me in, honestly.”
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