Ronnie O’Sullivan has affirmed his commitment to snooker after clinching his eighth UK Championship title with a 10-7 victory over Ding Junhui in the final. Despite turning 48 on Tuesday, ‘The Rocket’ shows no signs of slowing down, solidifying his status as snooker’s greatest-ever player.

O’Sullivan, who became the youngest ranking winner 30 years ago at the UK Championship, now holds the record as both the youngest and oldest winner of the tournament. His recent success comes on the heels of the release of his documentary, revealing his struggles with pressure throughout his career, including the 2022 World Championship, where he secured his seventh world title.

Having won the Shanghai Masters earlier in the season, O’Sullivan withdrew from the Champion of Champions in November to prioritize his mental health. The UK Championship victory marked his 40th career ranking title since he entered the snooker scene in 1992.

Addressing questions about his age, O’Sullivan expressed his determination to continue competing: “I’ll keep going until the wheels fall off.” Despite being challenged by Ding, who fought back from 4-1 and 7-5 deficits, O’Sullivan demonstrated resilience with consecutive breaks of 100 and 74, sealing his triumph.

While O’Sullivan acknowledged the significance of his achievements, he revealed that the excitement of early career victories has evolved. He now finds greater satisfaction in routine activities like morning runs and shared breakfasts with friends.

Despite occasional feelings of reluctance before matches, O’Sullivan maintains a competitive edge. Looking ahead, he is set to play at The Masters, emphasizing that, while the thrill has evolved, his dedication to the sport remains steadfast.