Ronnie O’Sullivan shows the trophy.

Ronnie O’Sullivan moved to temper his World Championship expectations despite thrashing Barry Hawkins to claim a record-equalling sixth Masters title on Sunday night.

The 40-year-old had not played in a major tournament since last April but walked away with the Masters trophy after proving far too strong for Hawkins – who has now lost his last 10 meetings with O’Sullivan.

O’Sullivan drew level with Stephen Hendry with six Masters victories and will now be one of the favourites at the Crucible later in the year as he looks to take a sixth World Championship.

But he was quick to play down his chances in Sheffield, having only just made his return to the big time after taking time away following his quarter-final exit at the hands of Stuart Bingham in Sheffield.

“This is only a week,” he said of his Masters triumph.

“But to keep your focus for 17 days at the World Championship is a grind. We’ll see how it goes.”

Having labelled his own semi-final performance as “embarrassing”, O’Sullivan had renowned sports psychologist Steve Peters in attendance at London’s Alexandra Palace for the final and he explained how his guidance had helped lead him to the title.

“I am never normally surprised when I win tournaments but I am surprised I have won it after eight months out,” he said.

“It is about producing when it matters.

“Dr Steve Peters mentioned a couple of things and I just had to focus on each ball. If Barry played like he did in the semis, it would have been a great match. I’m delighted I’ve been able to play as well as I have done.”

Instead, Hawkins appeared overawed by the challenge of beating the returning “Rocket” and was left regretting his own display – which saw him miss far too many chances in the scrappy frames having actually taken a 1-0 lead in the match.

“I’m disappointed with my performance,” he said.

“I didn’t give him a game at all. I didn’t feel like I could pot a ball in the end.

“If someone said to me I would have got to the final at the start of the week and play Ronnie O’Sullivan I would have ripped their arm off but when you get to the final you want to perform.”