Ronnie O’Sullivan became snooker’s first £10million man with a brilliant defence of his Shanghai Masters crown last night.

The Rocket pocketed the £200,000 first prize with a high-class 11-9 victory over world No.7 Barry Hawkins in China.

O’Sullivan, who took his tally of century breaks to 953 with two more, gave the trophy away to a girl fan in the audience.

He said: “I have so many trophies at home – the first one is very special but now it is more about experiences. She can have it at home to remind her of this snooker match.

“Barry was the in-form player this week but I played well tonight and am really pleased with the victory. I had beaten him in finals before, but he beat me at the World Championship recently.

“I wasn’t unhappy being only 6-4 down after the first session, that was a result for me really.”