Ronnie O’Sullivan beats Judd Trump to win Grand Prix after retirement claims
Ronnie O’Sullivan is the 2024 World Snooker Grand Prix champion after beating Judd Trump in a pulsating remaining.
O’Sullivan triumphed 10-7 in on the Morningside Arena in Leicester to assert the World Grand Prix title for the third time. It comes only one week after his sensational Masters victory over Ali Carter at Alexandra Palace.
The Rocket recovered from 4-0 and 5-2 down within the contest to assert the title. He received six frames on the spin from 6-3 all the way down to put himself getting ready to the victory, conceding only one extra from to Trump earlier than touchdown the trophy.
READ MORE: Snooker legend reckons Ronnie O’Sullivan might retire in months after devastating show
The Rocket is arguably within the type of his life because the World Snooker Championship creeps into view. But one former world champion believes O’Sullivan’s subsequent look on the Crucible could possibly be his final.
Former snooker world champion Ken Doherty predicted earlier in the course of the World Grand Prix that O’Sullivan might retire within the coming months. But provided that he wins a record-breaking eighth Crucible crown.
Speaking on ITV, the 1997 champion mentioned: “He’s given so much to the game, we’ve given us so much joy over the years. Maybe he’s come to that crossroads in his life. Maybe, if he wins that eighth World Championship, if might be time for him to go out at top.”
Yet O’Sullivan confirmed no signal of being carried out with the game in his interview after the ultimate. He revealed how he feels he’s higher than ever and totally “enjoyed” the competition.
The 48-year-old commented when his age was talked about: “When I play snooker, I feel young in my head. I know age is a number, 48, but when I start playing I actually feel like I knock about 20 years off it. I start to feel quite vibrant.
“As lengthy as I really feel younger when I’m on the desk, I do not assume age is actually a problem. Experience helps me. I feel I’m in all probability a greater all-round participant than I’ve ever been.”
He added: “Judd blasted me off the desk, I used to be pondering it could possibly be an early night time and a 10-1 job! I managed to nick just a few frames within the afternoon and I loved the battle.”
Trump was disenchanted but sleek in defeat as he mentioned: “The black was a bit of a kick to go seven-all but he [O’Sullivan] scored heavy and his. A well deserved win for him.
“It’s by no means good dropping however it was good to have one other remaining towards Ronnie. I all the time take pleasure in taking part in him, it is all the time a great recreation.”
O’Sullivan earned an £100,000 sum for his victory so as to add to the whopping £250,000 he received on the Masters. As the runner-up, Trump banked a £40,000 prize.
