Ronnie O’Sullivan can 'find ways of doing the impossible', marvels Alan McManus after Masters triumph
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Published 14/01/2024 at 22:57 GMT
Ronnie O'Sullivan became the oldest winner of the Masters on Sunday evening when he came from behind to defeat Ali Carter 10-7 at Alexandra Palace on Sunday. The win left Eurosport pundits Alan McManus and Jimmy White attempting to do his talent justice after his victory, with McManus declaring O'Sullivan to be a "genius" and White suggesting he was "magic".
‘Quite extraordinary’ - O’Sullivan wraps up eighth Masters title with win over Carter in final
Alan McManus described Ronnie O’Sullivan as a “genius” who is capable of “doing the impossible” after winning his eighth Masters title.
O’Sullivan came from behind to secure his 23rd Triple Crown event on Sunday evening in Alexandra Palace, forcing Ali Carter to crumble after relentless pressure in the evening session.
The world snooker No. 1 had spent much of the week complaining about the conditions in north London, and also said he was struggling with an elbow problem, but he was dominant in victory.
Speaking after O’Sullivan’s win, Eurosport expert McManus lauded the 48-year-old’s ability.
“Doing what others find difficult is talent,” said McManus. “The talented find ways of doing the impossible, and that’s the genius of Ronnie O’Sullivan.”
O'Sullivan arrived at the evening session trailing 5-3, and fell further behind after losing the first frame, with McManus admitting he thought Carter would prevail.
“I actually thought that Ali Carter was going to get this thing done, but he [O'Sullivan] came out and doubled down on pretty much every shot he played this evening, and that was the difference," he said.
“We know he’s the class of the field, he’s the best there’s ever been. But when he knuckled down and the question was asked by Ali Carter, he came up with the goods. That’s what he does, unfortunately for Ali Carter and the rest over the last 20, 30 years.”
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‘I don’t know how I’ve won this tournament’ - O’Sullivan delighted to win Masters for eighth time
O’Sullivan’s friend Jimmy White put much of the success down to his hard work and discipline, but still noted his “sublime” efforts.
He said: “Wonderful to see that because he’s been on the road in China, and then we see him get this fantastic victory. That was a genius at work. What he did today was different to all his matches. He did it a bit against Ding [Junhui, in the first round] - he was disciplined today. He played like a snooker player.
“When you get as good as Ronnie O’Sullivan or these people who win major tournaments all the time, they don’t want to win by playing on instinct, taking on difficult shots. They want to work their way in, and that’s what he did today.
"He tuned himself in to get his safety play in, and then created chances. He was just too good today, it didn’t matter who was in the other chair, he was hovering around fourth or fifth gear. O’Sullivan was just sublime, he was magic.”
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