Ronnie O’Sullivan is the greatest snooker player to have lived – and now the numbers back it up.

O’Sullivan has tonight become the UK Championship’s most successful player of all time after he won his SEVENTH title beating Mark Allen 10-6.

And his victory also means he has now won a record 19 of snooker’s Triple Crown tournaments (UK Championship, Masters and World Championship) – overtaking Stephen Hendry’s previous record of 18.

It was a night when snooker’s history books were rewritten.

There are still some records that stand in O’Sullivan’s way but if he keeps his superb form going then they could soon be within his grasp.

Despite a slow start, O’Sullivan took a huge stranglehold when he won six frames on the bounce from 2-1 down to be in complete control of today’s final.

Allen, much to his credit, kept battling away and threatened what would have been a superb 147 at one point but an impressive and solid display from O’Sullivan saw him secure a memorable victory.

And he clearly enjoyed it. After lifting the trophy and the usual posing for photographers – he then jumped into the crowd posed for selfies and hugged his close friend Damien Hirst and coach Steve Feeney.

After pocketing a cheque for £170,000, O’Sullivan has won an incredible £531,000 already this season – which is only at the halfway point.

He’s mainly made the headlines this week over his plans for a “breakway tour”. But judging by his strong performances, his rivals will be glad to see the back of him as he is dominating the sport as things stand. 

Five major trophies last season – he already has three to his name this campaign following his triumphs in the Shanghai Masters and the Champion of Champions. 

Any snooker fan would be surprised if there wasn’t more tournament wins in his locker between now and the end of the season. 

Defeat for Allen will obviously hurt but he can take great heart after continuing a superb year on the table – possibly his best ever after winning the Masters for the first time in January followed up by winning the International Championship and reaching the UK Championship.

Allen moves to sixth in the world rankings and you have to say, it is thoroughly deserved.

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