The Rocket Lands Third World Title
Ronnie O’ Sullivan summoned the skills of a potting genius last night as he impressed the snooker world by becoming the 888.com World Snooker 2008 Champion for the third time.
Ronnie will now join legends Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis to have raised the famous trophy three times. The Rocket amazed spectators and fellow snooker players throughout the 17 day tournament and shined with consistency throughout.
Last night, Ronnie sealed the win by a magnificent performance against first time ranking finalist Ali Carter, who was defeated 18-8. Both finalists earned themselves an award of 78,500 for achieving 147 maximum breaks at the Crucible and played a lengthy best of 35 frames. Ronnie earned himself a standing ovation after he claimed the victory and was ‘happy to have won it.’ Ronnie spoke after the final frame and said that ‘I’ve been consistent all season.’
The Rocket was clearly over the moon by his win as he was applauded by his partner Jo, two children Ronnie and Lilly and mother Maria. His father was not present but Ronnie announced that ‘I love my family’ and spoke of his absent father saying ‘Dad, I love you.’ The snooker pro from Chigwell commented on his performance and future,
‘Sometimes when you get to the final, it’s not always about the performance…I like playing but sometimes I find it tough. I love the support everyone has given me, it’s been fantastic.’ Ronnie continued that, ‘it might be time to have a little bit of a break.’
Runner-up, Ali Carter looked on with an obvious expression of disappointment as he wiped his brow. He said of the match,
I was pleased to get to the final; it was very tiring, the better man won on the day really. Ronnie was in great form, he was always the man to beat.’
Despite the sheer disappointment, Carter admitted ‘I tried my absolute nuts off.’ Ali has recently lost both his grandmothers however; he still proved to be a future contender for the next tournaments and is still excited about becoming a newly qualified pilot. He didn’t fly high enough in the final but still walked away with the runner-up medal and prize money of 125,000.
Ronnie took the top prize of 250,000 and the 888.com trophy. The crowd were abundant with their cheers and claps which echoed around the famous theatre. John Parrott commented on Ronnie’s performance throughout the tournament.
‘These last two weeks he’s been a credit to himself and a credit to the game.’ Steve Davis said that ‘he’s shown great patience throughout the tournament.’
Ronnie has displayed complete consistency and deservedly earned the 88.com world Snooker Championship as well as rocketing to the number one spot in the official rankings. Below are the results of Ronnie’s amazing crucible journey.
Ronnie O’ Sullivan 10-5 Liu Chang
Ronnie O’ Sullivan 13-7 Mark Williams
Ronnie O’ Sullivan 13-7 Liang Wenbo
Ronnie O’ Sullivan 17-6 Stephen Hendry
Ronnie O’ Sullivan 18-8 Ali Carter
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