RONNIE O’SULLIVAN cannot believe he has charged his way to a sixth a record-equalling sixth UK Championship – after joining the grey brigade.
The 42-year-old snooker genius beat Shaun Murphy 10-5 on Saturday, to equal Steve Davis’ record, 25 years after he won his first.
And although he is no longer the raven-haired whippersnapper who lit up the game, the Rocket insists the fire to compete still burns brightly for the silver fox.
O’Sullivan said: “Well done to Shaun, he has had a great tournament, playing fantastic all season, the records are great to equal.
“The fans have been unbelievable, I just tried my best all week, there is nothing left, I’m over the moon to win any tournament, never mind the UK Championship.
“We both can play better, he missed a few easy balls, had a little bit of bad luck and the other guy gets some momentum, that’s just how snooker is, it’s a tough school.
“I’m not much different (to the 17-year-old that first won the tournament).
“I just try to enjoy the game, express myself, attack the game and play how I want to play the game. I just love playing and competing.
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“I just can’t believe I’m still playing at 42 with all these grey hairs, I’m old enough to be some of these players’ dads.”
Murphy accepted his defeat and described the O’Sullivan’s longevity as phenomenal.
He said: “I was really looking forward to the match. I came in knowing I’d have to be at my absolute best to beat Ronnie, but I wasn’t good enough in the second session.
“I want to congratulate Ronnie for equalling the record – it’s a phenomenal achievement.”
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