Crucible king O'Sullivan 16-1 to claim record haul

THE enigmatic Ronnie O’Sullivan is taking a break from snooker after claiming his fourth World Championship on Monday, but he’s still favourite to win in Sheffield again next year and Ladbrokes offer 16-1 that the Rocket adds at least another three Crucible crowns to his tally.

Seven world titles is the record currently held by Stephen Hendry, who hit a 147 break in the first round before announcing his retirement following a second-round defeat to Stephen Maguire.

O’Sullivan, who led 15-10 going into the final session of the Sheffield final against Ali Carter and wasted little time in completing the job 18-11, heads the betting at 6-1 with Hills and Ladbrokes for the 2013 World Championship with new world No. 2 Judd Trump a 13-2 chance with Paddy Power.

Mark Selby, 10-1 with Hills, will start the 2012-13 campaign as world No. 1 while 2010 Crucible king John Higgins, who failed to win a tournament in the 2011-12 season, is 14-1 with Boylesports to win a fifth world title. Runner-up Carter is 40-1 with Boyles to go one better next May.

World Championship 2013 best prices: 6 R O’Sullivan (Hills, Ladbrokes), 13-2 J Trump (Paddy Power), 8 N Robertson (general), 10 M Selby (Hills), 11 D Junhui (Coral), 14 J Higgins (Boyles), 18 S Murphy (Boyles), S Maguire (Boyles). 22-1 bar.