O’Sullivan Champion Of Champions Title Win Marred By Sportsmanship Row

Ronnie O’Sullivan scored another huge win against rival Judd Trump as he claimed a fourth Champion of Champions title on Sunday night. 

But the Rocket’s success was marred by a poor sportsmanship row after he failed to shake Trump’s hand for his earlier 147 maximum break. 

World No1 O’Sullivan, who also beat the Juddernaut in May’s Crucible final to win a seventh world title, ran out a 10-6 winner on Sunday pocket the £150,000 first prize.

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But the 46-year-old remained sitting in his chair rather than offer the customary congratulations when world No3 Trump produced a superb seventh career 147 to close to 6-2. 

It was a second title of the campaign for O’Sullivan who also won the recent Hong Kong Masters – and he heads to next week’s UK Championship in excellent touch. 

But as well as the handshake snub Trump also won nothing extra for his 147 with no separate prize either for the maximum or the tournament high break at this event. 

O’Sullivan said: “Me and Judd both know we didn’t flow today – it was a case of graft and graft. I know what Judd can do and he did, coming back to 7-6. 

“We both like to play well. I am not as hungry as other players, but I am very competitive when I am out here. This event is full of good players with a full crowd, and that means I am not flat.” 

Trump said: “I am a bit disappointed with the way I played overall. Ronnie scored very heavily  and that puts you under pressure. 

“In the eight frame I had nothing to lose so I thought ‘d go for the maximum. And it is special to get one in a final against Ronnie. But I don’t take anything from coming second.” 

O’Sullivan was blasted by other senior players for a lack of etiquette and respect for refusing to shake Trump’s hand after his magnificent 147. 

Defending champion and world No3 Trump, 33, produced the perfect clearance with 15 reds, 15 blacks and all the colours to bring the house down. 

But as he punched the air in celebration the Rocket stayed in his seat and failed to offer the customary handshake for the feat. 

It was even more bizarre given that an emotional O’Sullivan sobbed in Trump’s arms after beating him in the Crucible final to clinch a seventh world title. 

And that saw fellow seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, former Crucible king Ken Doherty and former Masters champion Mark Allen criticise O’Sullivan’s lack of sportsmanship. 

Hendry is the only other player to have made a 147 against O’Sullivan - in the deciding frame of the 1997 Victoria Charity Challenge. 

And the 53-year-old said: “Look, no one took more displeasure in their opponents doing things well against them more than me. 

“But shake the guy’s hand. He has made a 147, it’s in the final and you are 6-1 up. Shake the guy’s hand. It was incredible.  

“When I made the other one against him he had to shake my hand…because it was the end of the match.” 

O’Sullivan has made a record 15 147 maximum breaks himself – and every time been congratulated by his opponent. 

Irish legend Doherty, also 53, said: “It was a magnificent break from Judd, one of the best 147s you will see. There were a lot of really tough shots and under such pressure at 6-1 behind. 

“I was a little bit surprised that Ronnie didn’t come out and shake Judd’s hand  and congratulate him - there was no reaction from him - it was like it was just another frame.” 

Reigning Northern Ireland Open and former Masters champion Mark Allen reacted on social media: “I’m glad Ken Doherty mentioned in the studio about Ronnie not shaking Judd’s hand when making the max. 

“I know it’s not a rule that you have to, but I’m confident saying it is the first time it has ever happened. 

“Two seconds to show some respect isn’t asking much from someone who so many admire.” 

Meanwhile golden oldie Jimmy White is yet to drop a frame in two qualifiers bidding to get back to the UK Championship final stages. 

The 60-year-old Whirlwind whitewashed Mitchell Mann 6-0 in Sheffield, and that came after beating Brazil’s Victor Sarkis by the same score. 

But former UK winner White still needs to win another two matches to get to the venue in York with the next one a daunting test against Scotland’s Stephen Maguire. 

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