Ronnie O’Sullivan has once again proved his snooker prowess by securing his fourth consecutive Shanghai Masters title with an 11-9 victory over Luca Brecel. However, in a surprising move, O’Sullivan revealed that he has no intention of keeping the coveted trophy as a memento of his triumph.
The English snooker maestro found himself trailing 4-3 at one point in the match but mounted an impressive comeback by winning three consecutive frames against Belgium’s world champion, Luca Brecel. O’Sullivan’s remarkable breaks of 143 and 120 brought him to the brink of victory, and he managed to hold on despite a spirited late rally from his opponent.
In a post-match interview, O’Sullivan casually mentioned his plan for the trophy, saying, “I’ll be giving the trophy to my friend who is opening up a club here. It will be staying in China.” This gesture reflects O’Sullivan’s unique approach to his career achievements. He continued, “I always give them away. My mate Paul’s got one, I gave one to a kid in the crowd. I’m not really bothered about trophies. I’ve sold quite a few of them – I don’t want any memorabilia left by the time I’m 70 or 80. I’m preparing for death – part of that is I don’t want no snooker stuff – waistcoats, cues, it’s all going to go.”
O’Sullivan’s victory at the Shanghai Masters marked his 18th successive match win in the Chinese city, an impressive feat by any standard. Notably, this tournament was a significant milestone as it was the first World Snooker Tour event held in mainland China since 2019, prior to the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic.
The English snooker legend’s dominance in Shanghai is unquestionable, as he clinched his fifth title in total, following previous victories in 2009, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Reflecting on his performance in this year’s tournament, O’Sullivan admitted, “It was one of those tournaments. I was well below par, but I played alright when I had to.”
O’Sullivan also had words of praise for his opponent, Luca Brecel, who had previously defeated him in the quarter-finals on his path to becoming the world champion earlier in the year. “I’m not surprised Luca has done as well as he has. He’s not a surprise world champion. He’s got an amazing gift to play this game,” O’Sullivan acknowledged.
This victory adds another chapter to Ronnie O’Sullivan’s storied snooker career, and while he may not be hoarding trophies, his impact on the sport is undeniable. Snooker enthusiasts around the world eagerly await his next performance on the green baize, wherever it may be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shanghai Masters Victory
Q: What is the significance of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s fourth consecutive Shanghai Masters title win?
A: Ronnie O’Sullivan’s fourth consecutive Shanghai Masters title win is significant because it showcases his exceptional snooker skills and dominance in the sport. It marks his 18th successive match victory in Shanghai and solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest snooker players of all time.
Q: Why does Ronnie O’Sullivan choose not to keep the trophy despite winning?
A: Ronnie O’Sullivan has an unconventional approach to trophies. He prefers not to keep them as memorabilia and instead gives them away to friends or even fans. His rationale is that he doesn’t want snooker-related items cluttering his life as he ages and is preparing for the future.
Q: How did Ronnie O’Sullivan perform in this year’s Shanghai Masters compared to previous years?
A: Ronnie O’Sullivan admitted that he was below his usual performance level in this year’s Shanghai Masters but managed to step up when it mattered most. Despite not being at his best, he secured the title, adding a fifth Shanghai Masters victory to his impressive list of achievements.
Q: What is the significance of the Shanghai Masters in the world of snooker?
A: The Shanghai Masters holds significance in the world of snooker as it is one of the premier events on the World Snooker Tour. It is particularly notable because it was the first World Snooker Tour event held in mainland China since 2019, marking a return to top-tier snooker competition in the region after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: What does Ronnie O’Sullivan think of his opponent, Luca Brecel?
A: Ronnie O’Sullivan has great respect for Luca Brecel’s snooker abilities. He praised Brecel for not being a surprise world champion and acknowledged Brecel’s incredible talent for playing the game. Despite being competitors on the table, O’Sullivan has a positive opinion of Brecel’s skills.
More about Shanghai Masters Victory
- BBC Sport: Ronnie O’Sullivan beats Luca Brecel for fourth straight Shanghai Masters title
- The Guardian: Ronnie O’Sullivan wins fourth straight Shanghai Masters title
- World Snooker Tour: Shanghai Masters
- Snooker.org: Shanghai Masters
