O’Sullivan broke down in tears after Trump’s ‘lovely words’ blew him away

Ronnie O’Sullivan beat Judd Trump in the final of the World Snooker Championship on Sunday evening, winning the tournament for a record-equalling seventh time in his career

After winning the World Snooker Championship for the seventh time in his illustrious career, Ronnie O’Sullivan broke down in floods of tears after sharing a lengthy embrace with opponent Judd Trump after the match.

O’Sullivan defeated Trump 18-13 in the final, becoming the oldest winner in Crucible history at the age of 46. After his victory, O’Sullivan and Trump hugged, with the pair sharing an emotional exchange for more than a minute.

And speaking to Eurosport after the win, O’Sullivan revealed he was ‘blown away’ by what Trump said to him. “It’s relief,” The Rocket said. “It’s just a really hard tournament, just to get through the matches, it’s long, drawn-out.

“I don’t know what to say. I was so emotional. I was emotional because of the drain and the effort and to finally just get over the line.

“I just never thought it would happen and I just gave him a big hug and I’m just sobbing in his arms. He just said some such lovely words.

“What he said to me just blew me away to be honest with you. It just blew me away and I love Judd.

“I love him, he’s a good lad, he’s a great lad. I didn’t realise what he thought of me until then. I didn’t realise how he sees me and how I’ve kind of helped or been part of his development.

“It’s great for snooker that we’ve got someone like Judd, playing the way he plays. And there’s a couple more coming through. It’s going to be brilliant. That’s my best result ever I think.”

When asked if his embrace with Trump was the nicest moment at the Crucible ever, O’Sullivan replied: “Without a doubt. What he said, Judd, just done me in! Honestly.”