Ronnie O'Sullivan has won the UK Championship for a record-equalling sixth time courtesy of a 10-5 victory over Shaun Murphy at the York Barbican this evening.
The 42-year-old dominated the evening session to clinch the trophy and £170,000 top prize, registering breaks of 75, 104, 76, 103, 86 and 59 to pull away from the 2008 champion.
O'Sullivan's triumph means that he draws level with Steve Davis as the most successful player in the competition's history, while also clinching his 18th title at the Triple Crown majors - comprised of the UK Championship, World Championship and Masters.
No player has ever won more major titles than O'Sullivan now, with the 'Rocket' drawing level with seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry.
"Well done to Shaun, he has had a great tournament, playing fantastic all season, the records are great to equal. The fans have been unbelievable, I just tried my best all week, there is nothing left, I'm over the moon to win any tournament, never mind the UK Championship," O'Sullivan told reporters.
"We both can play better, he missed a few easy balls, had a little bit of bad luck and the other guy gets some momentum, that's just how snooker is, it's a tough school. I'm not much different [to the 17-year-old that first won the tournament].
"I just try to enjoy the game, express myself, attack the game and play how I want to play the game. I just love playing and competing. I just can't believe I'm still playing at 42 with all these grey hairs, I'm old enough to be some of these players' dads."
Sullivan first won the competition as a 17-year-old in 1993.
Barney Corkhill
