Judd Trump ends trophy drought with thrilling victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan in final of the Northern Ireland Open 

  • Judd Trump beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 9-7 in the final of the Northern Ireland Open
  • He denied O'Sullivan the chance of back-to-back wins in a thrilling encounter
  • Trump finished strongly to claim the £70,000 prize and first victory in 13 months

Judd Trump ended his year-long trophy drought in style with a 9-7 victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan in the final of the Northern Ireland Open.

He denied O'Sullivan, who claimed the Champion of Champions title last week, the chance of back-to-back wins in a thrilling encounter in Belfast.

There was never more than one frame between them as they reached the interval all-square at 4-4.

Judd Trump ended his year-long trophy drought in style with a victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan

Judd Trump ended his year-long trophy drought in style with a victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan

A break of 134 saw O'Sullivan take a 7-6 lead after the resumption.


However, world No 5 Trump then won three frames in succession to claim the Alex Higgins Trophy and £70,000 first prize and first victory in 13 months.

'It feels amazing - it's so nice to win again. I was very nervous in that last frame as it's a while since I've done anything and I've had a bit of stick for underachieving,' said Trump.

'I got chances in the last few frames and just tried to hold myself together, I've always believed in myself but luck has not been with me.

'I wasn't looking forward to this tournament after going out in the first round last year but the support I've felt this week has been unbelievable.'

Trump denied O'Sullivan the chance of back-to-back wins in a thrilling encounter in Belfast

Trump denied O'Sullivan the chance of back-to-back wins in a thrilling encounter in Belfast