O'Sullivan Masterclass Sets Up Trump Final

Ronnie O'Sullivan admitted that his performance was "up there" with the best of his career as he made four centuries and two more breaks over 70 in a scintillating 6-1 win over Ding Junhui in the semi-finals of the Spreadex World Grand Prix.

Even by his own incredibly high standard, O'Sullivan was magnificent as he blew away an opponent who made no more than a handful of mistakes. World number one O'Sullivan has now won 13 consecutive matches, picking up titles at the UK Championship and the Masters, but without doubt this was his best display of the season so far. 

And it sets up a fabulous final on Sunday in Leicester as he'll face Judd Trump over 19 frames for the trophy and £100,000 top prize. Clearly the best two players of 2023/24 so far, they will both be aiming for a fourth title of the season. It will be their first meeting since 2022, when they clashed in the final of both the World Championship and Champion of Champions.

O'Sullivan will be playing in his 63rd ranking final, having won 40 of the previous 62. Victory would bring his prize money for the season close to £900,000, on target to beat Trump's record of £1,094,000 set in 2019/20. 

With legendary jockey AP McCoy among the packed crowd, O'Sullivan raced ahead with a 135 total clearance in the opening frame. Ding, who lost to O'Sullivan in the UK Championship final and first round of the Masters, responded with an 85, but the Chinese ace could not contain an opponent at the peak of his powers. Breaks of 128 and 79 put seven-time Crucible king O'Sullivan 3-1 up at the interval.

Ding had first chance in frame five but missed the pink to a baulk corner on 28 and his opponent punished him with 90. Back to back centuries, 128 and 124,  saw O'Sullivan finish with a flourish in a contest that lasted just 72 minutes. 

"I felt good tonight, I was comfortable," O'Sullivan told ITV. "I wasn't bothered about big breaks but I felt as if I could get the ball where I wanted it to go. I take satisfaction from feeling good over the shot. I was relaxed and confident because I felt that if I got chances I would do something, which hasn't been the case in the last two years."

Asked if this was among his best performances, O'Sullivan replied: "I have had other sessions where I have played good stuff, scored well and played good safety. But it's up there.

"I know earlier this week I said I'm not bothered if I win or lose, but I just meant that sometimes I find it hard to keep the focus and the will to win, because I get so frustrated it gets tiring. But I know people pay good money to come and watch so I always try to put in a professional display, mentally. Whether I play well or not is out of my control. I don't want people to think I'm not trying, because I am trying my hardest. Tonight I enjoyed it and the crowd enjoyed it, and that's what keeps me coming back."

As for the final, he added: "I am looking forward to it, best of 19 against Judd who is playing fantastically well. I will need to play like that to have a chance. If I can feel comfortable over the shot then I'll enjoy it."