O’Sullivan wins third title of season

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN captured his third title of the season last night as John Higgins suffered a bad case of Wembley deja vu.

The world champion and world number one added the Rileys Club Masters to his Grand Prix and Welsh Open crowns courtesy of a brilliant 10-3 success.

Ten years earlier the pair, then teenagers, met in their first Masters final with O’Sullivan coming out on top 9-3.

Not since Steve Davis whitewashed Mike Hallett 9-0 in 1988 has there been such a runaway London final. O’Sullivan’s victory was worth £125,000 while Higgins picked up £60,000 by way of consolation.

Ding Junhui’s magnificent 141 clearance against Ken Doherty in the second round last Tuesday earned him the £10,000 high break prize.

O’Sullivan’s win included three centuries (107, 102 and 134) plus further runs of 95, 58, 97, 79, 75, 79.

Higgins hung his white towel over his cue in surrender.