Rocket Ron-nine Is Premier Again
Ronnie O’Sullivan won his sixth PartyCasino.com Premier League title in 7 years and his ninth overall beating defending champion, Shaun Murphy at Potters Leisure Resort to claim the trophy and £59,000 first prize.
Neither O’Sullivan or Murphy produced his best form after both producing scintilating displays on Saturday to dispose of Neil Robertson and Marco Fu respectively in Saturday’s semi-finals.
The ‘Rocket’ gained revenge in a re-run of the 2009 final, in which the 2005 world champion ended O’Sullivan’s unbeaten run in the event.
Murphy had the first opportunity but missed a pink to the corner which most club players might expect to get which allowed O’Sullivan in. He duly made breaks of 74 and then a superb 123 to open up a quick 2-0 lead.
The three-time world champion extended his lead to 4-0 with steady breaks of 59 and 35 with Murphy making a string of unforced and uncharacteristic errors.
Ronnie went further ahead in the next but Murphy managed to avoid the dreaded white-wash in the sixth, goin into the mid-session interval 5-1 adrift.
A comeback never looked likely though and O’Sullivan sealed the win with further runs of 68 and 51.
For his main rivals, it may be an ominous sign that O’Sullivan is seeming in such positive mood leading up to the 12bet.com UK Championship next week.
He said, “I’m pleased to be able to play well, get among the balls and win the game. I’m now going into the UK Championship with some confidence as I have beaten some good players here.
Contrary to his standard responses, playing down both his abilities and achievements, O’Sullivan added “I need to improve my game in different areas but I’ve got a chance to win. I’d love to get four, five or more World Championships but that competition is tough and I will keep trying.”
“It was tough tonight, and congratulations to Shaun on a great defence of his title,” said O’Sullivan.
Murphy, who claimed £36,000 for his runners-up finish said, “I came here playing well but it wasn’t my day. I had a good chance in the first frame but missed a pink that I should never have missed and that set the scene for the whole match.
“Ronnie is the bench mark. I know he isn’t ranked No.1 but when he is on song, he is the top guy.”
