A dominant session of snooker saw Ronnie O’Sullivan begin his bid for a record eighth Cazoo World Championship crown by moving to the verge of victory in his first round clash with Jackson Page, leading 8-1
It’s been a sparkling season for O’Sullivan, who has already won the UK Championship and the Masters. That means victory here at the Theatre of Dreams would see him win all three Triple Crown events in a single campaign for the first time in his career.
The Rocket equalled Stephen Hendry’s record of seven Crucible crowns by winning the 2022 World Championship. His first attempt to eclipse the Scot ended at the quarter-finals last year, when he bowed out at the hands of eventual winner Luca Brecel.
By contrast, Page has been battling for his tour survival this season. However, a run to the semi-finals of the World Open ended any concerns of relegation from the circuit. The Welshman came through a final frame decider at World Championship qualifying, beating Noppon Saengkham 10-9 to secure his place at the Crucible.
When play got underway this afternoon it was 41-time ranking event winner O’Sullivan who grasped an immediate stranglehold on proceedings. Breaks of 54, 56 and 81 helped him to a 4-0 advantage at the mid-session.
Following the break, a run of 122 ensured O’Sullivan has now made a century at the Crucible for 30 consecutive years. After falling 6-0 behind, Page showcased his considerable talent with a break of 142 to get a frame on the board. However, the last two of the session went the way of O’Sullivan who requires just two more frames for victory.
They return tomorrow afternoon at 1pm to play to a conclusion.