Ronnie O'Sullivan - narrow win

CITYWEST IRISH MASTERS

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Ronnie O'Sullivan collected the Citywest Irish Masters title in Dublin and will hope to have a happier reign than he did three years ago.

In a memorable match against seven times world champion Stephen Hendry, O'Sullivan took the last two frames to score a superb 9-8 victory.

It was his first title success of 2001 but his fourth this season and marks him out as an outstanding prospect for the world championship.

O'Sullivan collected a first prize of IR£75,000 for repeating his success of 1998, when he defeated Ken Doherty at Goffs, County Kildare.

However, shortly after his victory O'Sullivan tested positive for taking cannabis and was later stripped of his trophy and the prize money.

For Hendry, it was defeat again in a major final following his loss to Doherty in the Thailand Masters a fortnight ago.

But it was great effort by the three times champion who has now featured in five Irish Masters final that have been decided by a last frame.

It didn't look possible that Hendry would get anywhere near a decider in the early stages.

Indeed, at one point it looked as though he was just playing for respectability as O'Sullivan built up leads of 4-0 and 5-1.

However, Hendry managed to end the first session only three frames behind and continued his fightback in the evening exchanges.

A break of 53 eventually helped him obtain parity at 6-6 as O'Sullivan found himself under pressure for the first time in the week.

His response was a break of 112 - his fifth century in three matches - to regain his lead. But Hendry wouldn't give in.

He drew level after an O'Sullivan error in frame 14 and then made 74 to hit the front for the first time at 8-7.

Back came his former stablemate with an 80 to send the match to the wire.

Hendry missed the black early in the decider when in prime position and it was to prove costly.

He received only one further half-chance as O'Sullivan eventually took the frame 71-13.

"My head was starting to go down," admitted O'Sullivan, who now goes to Aberdeen to defend his Scottish Open crown.

"It didn't look like Stephen was going to miss. And when he starts cueing well you've just got to sit there and hope he has a kick or a bit of bad luck.

"So I was pleased to take my chances in those last two frames."