RONNIE O’SULLIVAN became the first man to record 1000 centuries as the Englishman retained his Players Championship title in style on Sunday.
O’Sullivan went into the final against Neil Robertson needing three more centuries to reach the four-figure landmark.
Breaks of 116 and 105 saw the 43-year-old open up a 7-2 lead over Robertson in the best-of-19-frames contest in Preston.
He had to wait to achieve his headline feat as Robertson rallied, but O’Sullivan was able to move within one frame of victory.
The five-time world champion had suggested prior to the tournament that he would pick the right moment to record his 1000th century and that proved to be the frame that secured the trophy.
And, in true O’Sullivan style, he played the crucial pot left-handed on his way to a 134 break that sealed a 10-4 triumph.
What a way to end!
— World Snooker (@WorldSnooker) March 10, 2019
Here's that historical moment once again✨
#1000 pic.twitter.com/kn04AyzY0p
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Absolute genius
Wonder what accent he’ll use after this? Gas man. Legend with a cue.
@Declan Snow: its all about those ranking points mate!
The best and most exciting player to ever play the game. Yes, Davis, Hendry, White and Higgins (Both) were great players. However, this man is just a phenomenon. I don’t think we’ll ever see his likes again.
@Stephen Duggan: id agree he is the most talented ever. But for me alex higgins was the most exciting. Never knew what he would do
For context next closest is Hendry who is in 700’s…ridiculous achievement!
I loved that switch of hands with the cue for the vital shot. Absolute legend. The crowd went nuts with that trick
He’s no Ken Doherty
@Virgil Van Rock: C’mon Ken
The Boy can Play .
@Pl O’neill: no one on him though .