‘I don't know how I've won’ – Ronnie O’Sullivan reacts to eighth Masters title after beating Ali Carter in final
Ronnie O'Sullivan poses with the Paul Hunter trophy alongside his children Ronnie O'Sullivan Jr and Lily O'Sullivan after victory over Ali Carter in the MrQ Masters final at Alexandra Palace, London
Ronnie O'Sullivan recovered from 6-3 down to beat Ali Carter 10-7 and claim a record-extending eighth Masters title at Alexandra Palace in London.
Carter looked on course for a first Triple Crown title as he opened up a 5-3 lead after the first session and immediately extended his advantage when play resumed.
O'Sullivan reeled off three frames in a row to get back on level terms before Carter made his ninth century of the tournament in the 13th frame, breaking the record set by O'Sullivan in 2007 and 2009.
Ronnie O'Sullivan takes a shot during the Master final against Ali Carter at Alexandra Palace in London, England
However, Carter scored just 51 points in the last four frames as O'Sullivan ruthlessly punished any mistake to win back-to-back Triple Crown events for the first time in his career following his victory in the UK Championship in December.
"I don't know how I've won this tournament, to be honest with you," O'Sullivan, who at 48 is the oldest ever Masters champion, told BBC Sport.
"I've just dug deep. I've tried to play with a bit of freedom and then tonight I just thought try to keep Ali honest and if he's going to win it he's going to have to scrape me off the table.
"I just wanted to see if he had it at the end."
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 15th January
