Ronnie O'Sullivan hailed the role played by sports psychologist Steve Peters in helping him win his fifth World Championship at the Crucible this evening.

O'Sullivan became the first player since Stephen Hendry in 1996 to retain the title and speaking after the victory, 'The Rocket' thanked his psychologist for helping him through some tough periods in his career.

"I don't think I'd have won back to back titles if it wasn't for [Peters]," he told the BBC.

"Steve Peters has been with me all the way. Seventeen days is a long time. Everyone knows with me, I am up and down like a w****'s drawers!"

O'Sullivan was reprimanded by BBC presenter Hazel Irvine for his comments which went out live on air.

"I had everything to lose and nothing to gain," he said. "To the outside world I should never lose, but everyone on the snooker circuit knows that's not the case.

"One good thing this tournament has done has got me a wildcard into the Masters. But there is so much pressure and attention, which makes it really tough."

It has been suggested that O'Sullivan may retire from the sport following his latest triumph.