Antrim's Jordan Brown held his nerve to cause a stunning upset against six-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in the Welsh Open final at Celtic Manor.
The world number 81 sealed the win with a superb break of 74 in the deciding frame to become the lowest-ranked player since Dave Harold in 1993 to win a ranking title.
33-year-old Brown started the tournament as a 750/1 outsider but he beat Mark Selby and Stephen Maguire en route to the final before saving his best for the final.
Brown walked away with a £70,000 winner’s cheque and it wasn't that long ago that he almost walked away from snooker.
"It's just a privilege and an honour to play Ronnie O'Sullivan," Brown said.
"I had some dark days in my snooker life, but that's what makes you stronger.
"I was working full-time in a petrol station and five years ago I said to myself, 'give it a proper go', and it's paying off now.
"I knew if I was going to get overawed by Ronnie I wasn't going to win today.
"I'm playing the balls, playing the table, focused on my own game. That's what I've been doing all week, just getting used to the big stage.
"If you want something bad, and you think you can achieve it, never give up, because I think I showed this week anything can be possible if you believe in it.
"It's just all down to hard work. Something just clicked. A couple of months back I gradually started getting better, putting results together and that just gives you confidence.
"I couldn't have predicted what would happen this week, but it's just great."
Admiration of the highest order. pic.twitter.com/rGBOJiIs8R
— World Snooker Tour (@WeAreWST) February 21, 2021
Ronnie O'Sullivan had some kind words for Brown after the match.
"I've enjoyed every minute of it," said O'Sullivan.
"Jordan is a great guy and I'm so happy for him to win.
"I fluked the red in the final frame and I could see the disappointment in his eyes and that would have been a horrible way to win.
"I played all right and not many people beat me when I play all right - but I couldn't be happier for him."
