Ronnie O'Sullivan has pledged to keep playing “until the wheels fall off” after clinching an eighth UK Championship.
In doing so, he became both the oldest and youngest player to win the event, the 47-year-old having first won the tournament as a teenager 30 years ago.
Just two years and one day off his 50th birthday, there have been question marks over O'Sullivan's future but he has insisted there are no immediate plans to hang up his cue soon.
He said: “I keep beating myself up because of the age thing. I keep thinking at some point I’ve got to stop winning. But I keep doing alright so I’ll keep going until the wheels fall off.”
In the final, O’Sullivan had an early advantage erased by Ding Junhui clawed his way back before his opponent took the win 10-7 and with it the winner’s cheque for £250,000.
The win helped cement his place at the top of the world rankings and was his 22nd at one of snooker’s Triple Crown events.
Following the latest tournament victory of an illustrious career, he said: “Each tournament I win, I take great pleasure in. Tonight, I just had to come out with a good head. I thought, if I’m going to lose, make Ding earn it.
“There was a bit crowd and everyone was watching it so I wanted to leave blood, sweat and tears on the table if I didn’t win. I gave it my all, I love competing and I loved competing with Ding tonight.
“He’s played fantastic all week, I’ve been watching all his games and his cue ball control is the best ever. He’s never out of position, it’s like watching a computer. He’s a massive inspiration to all snooker players, I’m a massive fan of his and it’s an honour to play him in the final.”
