Ronnie O’Sullivan pulled out the win against Dave Harold to take the title of Northern Ireland Trophy Champion. O’Sullivan was ranked 21st in his snooker career while Harold was ranked 28th. Both came to play their very best, but O’Sullivan really shined as he became the first player in four years to win back to back ranking titles. The event took place in Belfast at the Waterfront Hall.

Harold gave it his best effort but was having difficulties after trailing 6-1 after the afternoon rounds. Harold did produce a 147 maximum break and gave it his best effort. Harold missed a pot on a black on a break of 81 and that is when O’Sullivan came in for the victory. It has been fifteen years since Harold held a ranking title when he won the 1993 Asian Open.

O’Sullivan was in top form as he took a five frame lead and finished out the evening with the title win. O’Sullivan had match breaks of 68, 103, 84, 76 and 64 to win. O’Sullivan commented: "I played okay in patches and I was decent in patches. I got on top of Dave after the first frame, but the first four frames tonight I wasn't there. I wanted to blow away a few cobwebs at this tournament, but to win it is a nice bonus. I’m still working on a few things technically, but there are still a few things I can improve on."

Harold moved up to rank number 14 after his run in Belfast. Harold commented that O’Sullivan is a “class player” and he punishes you anytime you make a mistake on the table. Harold also stated he hopes it will not be another fourteen years till his next final.



- 2008-09-02