Ronnie O'Sullivan has recorded a thrilling 11-9 victory over Luca Brecel to win the Shanghai Masters.
The seven-time world champion was making his opening appearance of the 2023-24 season and first since losing to Brecel at the World Snooker Championship earlier this year.
In a high-quality final, Brecel produced a 134 break during the early stages as he looked to back up his success at the Crucible in the spring.
However, it was O'Sullivan who forged a lead during the first session, securing a 6-4 advantage at the midway point.
Brecel valiantly fought back to get back on level terms at 7-7, only for O'Sullivan to respond with a 143 break to move two frames away.
The final continues... 😱
— Eurosport (@eurosport) September 17, 2023
Luca Brecel capitalises on a mistake from Ronnie O'Sullivan to make it 10-8!#ShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/0NI4iZ72oy
The Englishman missed what may have been a match-winning pink in the 18th frame for an 11-7 triumph, allowing Brecel to capitalise and reduce the scoreline to 10-9 owing to an 83 break.
Nevertheless, in a tense 20th frame, O'Sullivan finally got over the line on the blue to secure the trophy at the Chinese event for the fourth time in succession.
O'Sullivan had defeated Ali Carter, John Higgins and Mark Selby to reach the final.
Darren Plant
