RICKY ROCKS ROCKET
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Qualifier Ricky Walden stunned world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan to claim the Roewe Shanghai Masters title thanks to a stirring comeback at the Grand Stage venue.
The 25-year-old landed the £52,000 top prize by winning the last four frames against O'Sullivan to overturn an 8-6 deficit and win 10-8.
Walden wrapped up victory with a break of 105, his highest of the match.
The shock win gives Walden the first ranking title of his eight-year career - and he has big plans to celebrate it.
"I am now going to go to Las Vegas with my friends and really enjoy it," said the new champion.
Walden also prevented in-form O'Sullivan becoming the first man for 15 years to claim three ranking titles in a row.
"I am thrilled to bits to win my first tournament," said Walden, who now lives in Flintshire, Wales.
"I had a bit of luck, especially when I missed a few easy chances. But I managed to stay calm and I hope I can go on and achieve more now."
World number one O'Sullivan had been 5-4 in front at the interval thanks to breaks of 58, 64, 87 and 78.
Although the Rocket was not on top form, he extended his lead to 7-4 thanks in the main to a break of 108 in the 11th frame.
World number 35 Walden hit back to make it 7-6 before O'Sullivan made it 8-6.
Just when it seemed O'Sullivan was in control, Walden reeled off the next four frames to put him on the verge of a top-16 spot in the latest provisional rankings.
"I certainly want to get into that top 16 and win more tournaments," said Walden.
His run to the final included victories over Stephen Hendry, Neil Robertson, Steve Davis and Mark Selby.
Walden becomes the 16th player from outside the world's top 32 to have won a ranking event.
O'Sullivan, who collects £25,000 as the runner-up, said: "I am disappointed to lose. I played okay this afternoon but tonight I wasn't at the races. I was poor.
"Ricky played very well. He's a good player and it's good that he has won an event. I never put him under any pressure so I deserved to lose. I have still had a good week to get to the final."
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