Ronnie O'Sullivan lifts World trophy for the fifth time
Ronnie O'Sullivan lifted the Betfair World Championship trophy for a fifth and perhaps last time tonight as he capped his comeback with Crucible glory.
Out of snooker for almost a year, O'Sullivan rolled up in Sheffield without any competitive match practice and proceeded to tear through the draw, culminating in an 18-12 triumph against surprise finalist Barry Hawkins.
Hawkins, the 34-year-old world number 14 from Kent, emerged from their tussle with huge credit, having performed terrifically well.
It was comfortably the biggest match of his life and he met the challenge head on.
His reward was £25,000 - three times bigger than his previous highest pay cheque.
Ronnie O'Sullivan will retire rather than defend his title
Ronnie O'Sullivan claims he will retire rather than defend his world title next year.
The 37-year-old returned from a short spell out of the game to win his fifth Betfair World Championship, beating Barry Hawkins 18-12 tonight in the final in Sheffield.
Ronnie O'Sullivan holds the trophy after winning the final match during the Betfair World Championships at the Crucible, Sheffield Credit: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire
But barring a change of heart - quite possible given his track record - it will be his last competitive match at the Crucible.
Ronnie O'Sullivan celebrates winning his semi final match against Judd Trump. Credit: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire
Ronnie O'Sullivan has made it into his fifth Betfair World Championship final as he brushed aside the challenge of Judd Trump today at Sheffield's Crucible.
O'Sullivan rocketed to victory winning 17-11 to Trump, despite having almost a year away from snooker. The two-day final begins tomorrow, in which he may play either Ricky Walden or Barry Hawkins.
O'Sullivan not to play on tour due to 'personal issues'
Ronnie O'Sullivan has decided not to play on the professional tour this season due to "personal issues which he needs to resolve", World Snooker has announced.
Stephen Lee suspended from snooker due to betting probe
Stephen Lee in action against Mark Selby during The Masters 2012. Credit: Sean Dempsey/PA Archive
Stephen Lee has been suspended from the World Snooker tour while investigations into suspicious betting patterns in last night's match against John Higgins are taking place, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association said.
