May 7, 2001: O’Sullivan blasts his way to world title

2001 - England’s Ronnie O’Sullivan claimed his first World Championship snooker title after beating Scotland’s John Higgins 18-14 in the final. O’Sullivan, the biggest box office draw in the game, admitted he should have already pocketed snooker’s most coveted prize in a nine-year professional career. But the 25-year-old, beaten in three previous semifinals at the Crucible Theatre, kept his nerve after a spirited Higgins comeback and finally pocketed the $350,000 (Dh1.28 million) first prize. Higgins staged a brave rally in the evening session, but he never got closer than three frames to the ‘Rocket’ after losing the first session 6-2. For too long, O’Sullivan has had to carry the unwanted tag of being arguably the most naturally talented player.

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