Snooker The world number 81 beat the six-time world champion
JOrdan Brown sold one of the biggest surprises in snooker in recent years by beating six-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final draw of the Welsh Open at Celtic Manor.
The world number 81 stood his ground to clinch a 9-8 victory and become the winner of a title with the lowest ranking in more than a quarter of a century.
Brown, who missed the first three frames of the night’s session to fall behind 6-5, he rallied to come back and take the trophy and his cash prize, £ 70,000.
“It was a privilege to play Ronnie in a final,” said the 33-year-old. “I knew if I was scared by Ronnie I wouldn’t win, so I focused on my own game. I always believed in myself, I’ve had some dark days but those make you stronger as a player and as a person. Five years ago I told myself I should give billiards a try and now it’s paying off. “
Brown thus becomes the first Northern Irishman and player with the lowest ranking to be crowned champion of the Welsh Open. He is also the lowest ranked player to win a title since Dave Harold did it at the 1993 Asian Open.
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