O’Sullivan, who pocketed a cheque for £200,000, said: “I am part of a right Dad’s Army, it’s like the OAPs out there with John Higgins also winning titles at 40”.
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Despite taking the opening frame, Hawkins would not enjoy any further success, O’Sullivan levelling before moving ahead courtesy of a 136 break in the third.
And Hawkins told BBC Sport: “He (Trump) was obviously favourite to beat me with the way he played (on Friday), but I always know if you can take your practice game out there you have a chance, and (on Saturday) I managed to do that”.
O’Sullivan is now the second-oldest victor of the event after Ray Reardon in 1976 while Hawkins is convinced he will be able to take the positives from the tournament once he has recovered from his sub-par display in the final.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has reached the Masters final for the 11th time..
“I was pleased with the way I approached the game from the off. I kept my focus, my discipline and my temperament, and tried to control all the things that you can control”, said O’Sullivan.
The world No.6’s triumph was all the more remarkable given this was his first major tournament since taking a eight-month sabbatical from snooker.
“I’m level with Stephen Hendry in this now – it’s unbelievable really. I didn’t play terribly, but Barry played well and I missed the odd ball”, said Trump, who headed into the clash as favourite.
“If I put a performance in like that it’s over – I would expect Barry to rip into me and eat me for breakfast”.
Hawkins had been in excellent form on his way to the final, making three century breaks to upset world number five Judd Trump in the semis.
And the 36-year-old concedes it is a case of mixed emotions following his sub-par performance.
“I am butchering everything and I feel embarrassed. Judd played like he’s never played before, and I played my part as well”.
“I was sitting there and I was thinking, “I don’t feel like I’ve even been involved in the final”. I got a bit lucky this week, but I still had to get past [the other players].
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“It was a wonderful match and there’s no dispute that it’s got to be the greatest Masters match in my opinion”.
