Ronnie O'Sullivan has lavished praise on Mark Williams after losing in the final of the Tour Championship on Sunday night, admitting his rival 'eats you alive'.
The Rocket was 5-3 up going into the evening session and seemingly on course to continue his brilliant start to the year.
Yet Williams produced some sublime snooker and eventually won 10-5 to secure glory in Manchester.
After the match, O'Sullivan showed class by praising his 49-year-old opponent.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was beaten by Mark Williams in the final of the Tour Championship on Sunday night
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And while he was disappointed not to win, he was pleased for Williams - admitting the winner of the competition 'eats you alive' when playing at the peak of his powers.
“I think he's been the best player and the most consistent player for the last five years," he said.
"The way he’s been hitting the ball, very rarely does he play a poor match.
“The way he’s played this week and tonight. Just an amazing player really and so talented.
"I think he’s better now than he’s ever been. He just seems so strong.
“I tried, I gave it everything to stay in the game but if you don’t keep playing top level snooker he eats you alive.
"I thought I did well to get five frames today to be honest with you!”
O'Sullivan also joked that Williams would be the best player in the world - if he didn't like other things in life, too.
“I think if he was to dedicate his whole life, he’d probably be number one in the world but he doesn’t, he likes to play golf, chill out and enjoy his life," he quipped.
“He’s the deserved winner. He’s probably the most talented snooker player I’ve ever seen.”
As for Williams himself, the Tour Championship winner joked his two sons had only attended the final to see O'Sullivan in action.
And he also admitted his triumph 'wasn't bad for a part-timer'.
"It's not bad for a part-timer. What can I say? I never thought I'd be winning tournaments at 49, so who knows?" he said.
"The World Championships are around the corner. He's the man to beat, but you never know. I'll try my best.
"This is up there in my career. As Ronnie said, I think I am a better all-round player now.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan has lavished praise on Mark Williams after losing in the final of the Tour Championship
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"Considering I don't practice that much. But I always try my absolute nuts.
"I have beaten the best three players in the world. I haven't done it the easy way.
"It's nice to have family up here. One son always comes with me.
Mark Williams mounted a stirring comeback to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Tour Championship final
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"Two of my sons only come up to watch Ronnie."
Williams has now won £150,000 as a result of this success.
But while O'Sullivan lost, the snooker icon still pocketed £60,000 after finishing as runner-up.
