O'Sullivan edges Citywest Masters

Ronnie O’Sullivan defeated John Higgins in an epic Citywest Irish Masters final in Dublin last night.

He defeated Scotsman Higgins 10-9, finishing off with a break of 128 to take the first prize.

It was the Rocket’s second title of the month after defeating Higgins’ fellow countryman Stephen Hendry in the European Open final at Torquay.

And his victory made him only the ninth player to capture back-to-back ranking titles.

It was hard luck on world number four Higgins, who played his part in arguably the most memorable final of the season so far.

Certainly it was a draining encounter and could see world number one O’Sullivan carry out his threat to withdraw from the Regal Scottish Open in Edinburgh starting on Saturday.

However, his thoughts tonight were simply on savouring another superb success when he again proved himself the master cueman.

Higgins trailed throughout the match, most worryingly at 5-2 in the first session.

However, O’Sullivan couldn’t shake him off and Higgins, a winner of the Irish Masters last season when held as an invitation event, drew level at 5-5.

Breaks of 128 and 68 gave O’Sullivan a 7-5 lead but back came Higgins with runs of 92 and 73 for 7-7.

O’Sullivan led again at 8-7 and 9-8 only for Higgins to force a decider with a 123 break.

O’Sullivan wouldn’t be denied though, and his final century gave him the trophy.