Ronnie O'Sullivan wins 2008 World Snooker Championship

Ronnie O'Sullivan has claimed his third World Championship crown after completing a comprehensive 18-8 win over Ali Carter in the final.

Resuming the final session 16-8 in front, O'Sullivan wasted little time in securing the two frames he needed.

The 32-year-old started the evening's play with a 69 break and after Carter missed a chance to claw a frame back, O'Sullivan's 34 sealed the win.

O'Sullivan was always in control and had led 11-5 after the opening day.

He has joined Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry and Mark Williams in winning the UK Championship and the world title in addition to clinching the number one spot in the rankings in the same season.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the final - O'Sullivan v Carter

And the victory is fine reward for O'Sullivan, who has been in scintillating form over the past two weeks.

He fired a superb 147 in his second-round win over Mark Williams and had 12 century breaks, with five in the top 10, during a memorable tournament.

And in his semi-final against seven-time Crucible champion Stephen Hendry, O'Sullivan produced what the Scot called "snooker perfection" as he claimed a stunning 17-6 victory.