Ronnie O'Sullivan landed the Shanghai Masters title as he began his season in style – before gifting the trophy to a young fan.
The 42-year-old beat Barry Hawkins 11-9 in the final to successfully defend his crown and collect the £200,000 top prize.
But five-time world champion O'Sullivan then presented the silverware to a spectator.
Delighted for @ronnieo147 to kick off his season with a win but he's still coming home trophyless! He gave his winner & high break trophy to kids in the crowd. 🏆 🐐 #ShanghaiMasters#Snooker#Legend pic.twitter.com/Uj9qyMHXYb
— Unify Sports Management (@UnifyMgt) September 16, 2018
His management team, Unify Sports Management, tweeted a picture of a girl holding the trophy, with the caption: "Delighted for @ronnieo147 to kick off his season with a win but he's still coming home trophyless! He gave his winner & high break trophy to kids in the crowd."
O'Sullivan may have been repaying the locals for backing him throughout the week.
He wrote on Instagram: "Fans this week have been absolutely amazing. Thanks to everyone for their support. Delighted with the win."
He had trailed 6-4 after the afternoon session but turned the match around in the evening and finished with a break of 122.
"Tough on Barry, but I played well at the end of the match when it mattered so I am really happy to get this victory," O'Sullivan said on worldsnooker.com.
"I managed to find something on the practice table before the start of the evening. I was struggling with my cueing a bit so it was nice to be able to play with a bit more confidence and freedom."
