Ronnie O’Sullivan withstood a 147 break from Judd Trump to win his fourth Champion of Champions at the University of Bolton Stadium.
The seven-time world champion raced into a 6-1 lead before Trump’s seventh maximum break of his career, which saw no acknowledgement from his opponent – something O’Sullivan has been criticised for.
And after Trump took the next frame to make it 6-3, O’Sullivan retook control of the match by winning the next three to take the title and the £150,000 winners cheque.
“I was just pleased how I dug in at the end there,” said O’Sullivan speaking to ITV4, who opened the evening session with a 106 break.
“Even when I was 6-1 up I never once thought about the lead because I know what Judd is like, he can come out and do what he done, pull me back to 7-6.
“I’m not as hungry as probably all the other are, I’m just happy to be here. I like to compete. I just take every match as it comes, I enjoy being out here and it’s like a holiday for me.”
This was the 12th edition of the prestigious Champion of Champions, which sees primarily winners of significant tournaments in the last year come together in what is a non-ranking event.
‘Show some respect’ – O’Sullivan criticised for lack of reaction to 147
One talking point from the final was O’Sullivan not acknowledging Trump’s 147 break.
A 147, similar to a nine-darter in darts or a double century in cricket, is seen as a significant accomplishment in snooker and it is normal for players to show respect to opponents who hit one against them.
However, fans noticed that O’Sullivan appeared to disregard the achievement by Trump, world number nine Mark Allen had his say on social media, noting that it wouldn’t have hurt O’Sullivan to at least recognise it.
“Glad Ken Doherty mentioned in studio Ronnie O’Sullivan not shaking Judd Trump’s hand when making the max,” said Allen in a Twitter post.
“I know it’s not a rule you have too but I’m confident saying it’s the first time it’s ever happened. Two seconds to show some respect isn’t asking much from someone who so many admire.”
O’Sullivan has now won 75 titles in his illustrious career and will have his sights set on the UK Championship which gets underway in York on Saturday 12 November.
