Ronnie O’Sullivan storms into 14th Masters final and calls on snooker’s young pretenders to up their game

Ronnie O'Sullivan has advanced to his 14th Masters final with a commanding performance, defeating Shaun Murphy 6-2. The victory puts him in contention to become the oldest winner of the prestigious Triple Crown snooker event. O’Sullivan, a legendary figure in the sport, has not won the Masters since 2016 and is determined to reclaim the title.

In the semi-final match against Murphy, O’Sullivan displayed his trademark skill and flair, employing an aggressive style that resulted in multiple half-century breaks. Despite Murphy’s impressive three-figure breaks, including a superb 131 in the third frame, O’Sullivan’s potting prowess was too much to handle.

Speaking to the BBC after his victory, O’Sullivan expressed his confidence and said, ‘I don’t feel that old. I may know my age, but when I’m around the snooker table, I feel young both in mind and skill. I still perceive myself as quicker and sharper than the younger players. They need to raise their game because, despite my age-related challenges, they still can’t defeat me!’

O’Sullivan’s triumph sets up a tantalizing final match, where he will face the winner of the Mark Allen vs. Ali Carter contest. As the crowd at Alexandra Palace cheered for O’Sullivan’s stellar performance, the snooker veteran remains focused on adding another title to his illustrious career.

Murphy, displaying sportsmanship, acknowledged O’Sullivan’s brilliance, saying, ‘He was simply too good. Ronnie’s play was outstanding, and if he continues like this, he might as well be handed the trophy right now.’

The BBC provided extensive coverage of the event, showcasing the excitement and intensity of the game to snooker enthusiasts around the world.