Ronnie O’Sullivan put his sensational comeback victory over Judd Trump in the 2024 World Grand Prix final down to two new purchases during the tournament in Leicester. The 48-year-old continued his sensational run of form by defeating Trump 10-7 to lift his 41st career ranking title.
O’Sullivan found himself 4-0 and 6-3 down at the Morningside Arena but once again showcased his champion mentality to add to his ever-growing honours collection.
He raised his third World Grand Prix title after successes in 2018 and 2021 and his third major trophy in the space of 50 days.
O’Sullivan was fresh off winning the Shanghai Masters, UK Championship and Masters – and reaching the International Championship semi-finals – in a memorable campaign.
Rocket has now recorded 14 consecutive competitive victories, showing no signs of slowing down as he cements his legacy as the greatest snooker player of all time.
After beating Trump, O’Sullivan explained that he enjoyed the battle and, in true O’Sullivan fashion, revealed a new air fryer and smoothie maker helped him feel better after a rough start to the week.
“I enjoyed that. I really did. I enjoyed the game. At the start of the week, I was feeling a bit rough, and I bought myself an air fryer and a smoothie maker,” O’Sullivan told ITV after his latest triumph.
“Obviously, I played some of my best snooker ever last night against Ding. It gave me some confidence coming into today because I knew I’d have to play well to at least do something well against Judd.”
O’Sullivan expressed his respect for Trump and hailed the 34-year-old, naming him the favourite for the World Snooker Championship later this year.
“And I enjoyed the match, you know, Judd blasted me off the table 4-0, and I was thinking this could be an early night, like a 10-1 job…
“But I managed to nick a few frames this afternoon. 5-3 gave me a bit of optimism, and I just came out and thought to just try and see what happens.
“And enjoy the battle because you have to battle against Judd because he’s a warrior, you know. And for me, he’s the favourite for the World Championships this year. He’s strong.”
Trump, who will feel a third World Grand Prix title of his own slipped through his fingers, was honourable in defeat and displayed a mutual respect for O’Sullivan.
He said: “It’s obviously never nice losing, but it was nice to have another final against Ronnie.
“I always enjoy playing him. It’s always a good game. Hopefully, Ronnie carries on playing like that, and we can meet in a lot more finals this season.”
