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Ronnie O’Sullivan repelled the decided problem of Ding Junhui to develop into the oldest winner of the UK Snooker Championship in York, 30 years after he claimed his first title on the match on the age of 17.
O’Sullivan, who turns 48 on Tuesday, triumphed 10-7 after a heavyweight battle together with his Chinese opponent, sealing a record-extending eighth UK crown with an exhibition-style end of 129 amid raucous scenes on the York Barbican.
Hauled again from 4-1 and 7-5 leads by Ding, who like O’Sullivan gained his first UK title as an adolescent in 2005, the world primary dug deep when it mattered and consecutive breaks of 100 and 74 set him up for his final flourish.
It was an admirable effort from the Chinese participant, who had clambered off his sick mattress to sink defending champion Mark Allen on the opening day having critically thought of withdrawing from the match.
But finally O’Sullivan, who had seldom been required to search out his finest type throughout his journey via the match, had simply sufficient to go away Ding considering a second consecutive final defeat.
Ding had clawed again to degree at 4-4 on the finish of an absorbing opening session, after a collection of expensive errors gifted O’Sullivan the early benefit.
Three instances the 36-year-old blew early frame-winning alternatives to fall 3-0 then 4-1 behind earlier than belatedly stirring to reel off three frames in a row together with breaks of 114 and 70.
O’Sullivan wasted no time in re-establishing his lead in the primary body of the night with a break of 84, however there was a touch of impatience in the subsequent when he opted to not play on regardless of trailing by 51 and solely requiring one snooker.
Ding appeared intent on urgent dwelling his benefit however was punished for taking up some dangerous lengthy photographs in the subsequent two frames, O’Sullivan edging forward once more with breaks of 40 and 87, then rising from a scrappy spell in the subsequent to succeed in the interval 7-5 in entrance.
A tough-earned 58 from Ding introduced him again inside one body earlier than an impressive 104, his second century of the final, pulled him degree once more.
Anything Ding may do, O’Sullivan may do too, and the momentum swung again in the course of the world champion in the subsequent body when he responded with a century of his personal, a 100, his first of the final.
A superb pink from O’Sullivan set him as much as transfer one body from victory with a break of 74, and he accomplished his win in his personal irresistible style together with his second three-figure end.
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