Ronnie O'Sullivan wins World Grand Prix final in comeback to claim £100k payday

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Ronnie O
Ronnie O'Sullivan has won his third World Grand Prix title (Image: Getty Images)

Ronnie O'Sullivan recovered from 4-0 down to beat Judd Trump in Sunday's World Grand Prix final - recording a famous 10-7 win.

Trump dominated the first half of the contest, but O'Sullivan won six consecutive frames to continue his remarkable run. The Rocket has triumphed at the Shanghai Masters, UK Championship, The Masters and now the World Grand Prix since September.

O'Sullivan's victory on Sunday saw him pocket £100,000 in prize money, while Trump was forced to settle for £40,000. His brilliant form has left fans dreaming of a record eighth world title ahead of this year's tournament in Sheffield, which starts in April.

Trump made a superb start to the final, winning the first four frames to establish a commanding lead. O'Sullivan won the next two frames to get himself on the board in Leicester, but a 61 break from Trump stretched out the 2019 world champion's lead again.

O'Sullivan simply couldn't afford to lose the final frame of the afternoon session... and he didn't. Although Trump boasted a 5-3 lead, The Rocket had something to fight for. Yet The Ace in the Pack started the evening session on top by winning the opening frame.

O'Sullivan teases fellow pro Dale over his hair in awkward post-match interview eiqkiqhkiqueinvO'Sullivan teases fellow pro Dale over his hair in awkward post-match interview

That's when O'Sullivan kicked into life. He won the next four frames to take the lead for the first time in the match. Trump had a chance to make it 7-7 in the 14th frame, but the Bristolian missed the final black to give his opponent an 8-6 lead.

Ronnie O'Sullivan wins World Grand Prix final in comeback to claim £100k paydayJudd Trump failed to get the better of O'Sullivan in Leicester (Getty Images)

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Then came a gruelling 15th frame, which ebbed and flowed before O'Sullivan finally took the initiative to move within one frame of victory. But Trump was determined not to give up without a fight and hit back to reduce The Rocket's lead to just two frames.

Yet O'Sullivan went on to win the final frame and clinch his third World Grand Prix title - capping off one of the great comebacks. O'Sullivan told ITV : "I enjoyed that, I really did... Judd blasted me off the table, I was thinking it could be an early night and a 10-1 job!

"I managed to nick a few frames in the afternoon and I enjoyed the battle. For me, he (Trump) is the favourite for the World Championship this year. He's strong."

Trump added: "A well deserved win for him. It's never nice losing but it was nice to have another final against Ronnie. I always enjoy playing him, it's always a good game."

O'Sullivan is widely regarded as the greatest snooker player of all time after winning The Masters and the UK Championship eight times each - both of which are record tallies. Only Stephen Hendry has also won seven world titles in the post-war era.

Tom Blow

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