Jordan Brown stunned Ronnie O'Sullivan to win the Welsh Open on Sunday night. The 33-year-old from Antrim claimed victory in the final frame against the six-time world champion.
The victory makes Brown - along with Mark Allen, Dennis Taylor, and Alex Higgins - the fourth Northern Irishman to win a ranking tournament.
Known as 'The Antrim Ferrari', Brown is the lowest ranked player to win a tournament in 28 years.
"I have had some dark days in my snooker life," he told Eurosport.
"But that is what makes you stronger as a player and a person.
"I just never stopped believing in myself. I was working full-time in a petrol station and was playing full-time snooker as well.
"Five years ago, I said to myself, 'Just give it a proper go' as I never fully committed myself, and it is paying off now.
"There's three people, in particular, that I want to thank: My coach Marty Brantwood, he's really turned around my game in the last few months especially; Catherine, my girlfriend, my absolute rock; last but not least, my dad - he's been the one that stuck by me, and if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be standing here today."
The final was the fifth match of the tournament which Brown won in the final frame.
"I enjoyed every minute of that today," said O'Sullivan.
"I've had such a fantastic time, loved playing Jordan. He's a great guy. I'm so happy for him to win.
"I fluked that red in the last frame, and I saw the disappointment on his face. What a horrible way, if I was to win it.
"I'm so happy for him. He's such a lovely guy, and a fantastic player as well. You don't beat Selby, you don't beat Maguire [without being good]. And I played alright today. Not many people beat me when I'm playing alright. He's a proper player."
🗣 "Get in there!"
Jordan Brown can't hold in the emotions as he clinches his maiden ranking title against world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan 🏴🏆#WelshOpen pic.twitter.com/3ra1BF0Old— Eurosport (@eurosport) February 21, 2021
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