Ronnie O’Sullivan makes history by beating Ding Junhui in UK Championship final

O’Sullivan repelled the challenge of Ding Junhui to become the oldest winner of the UK Snooker Championship.

Ronnie O’Sullivan won his eighth UK snooker title in York (Mike Egerton/PA)

Ronnie O’Sullivan repelled the determined challenge of Ding Junhui to become the oldest winner of the UK Snooker Championship in York, 30 years after he claimed his first title at the tournament at the age of 17.

O’Sullivan, who turns 48 on Tuesday, triumphed 10-7 after a heavyweight battle with his Chinese opponent, sealing a record-extending eighth UK crown with an exhibition-style finish of 129 amid raucous scenes at the Barbican.