Ronnie has won his opening match at this year World Championship, beating Jackson Page comprehensively by 10-1. Here are the scores of that match:
And the reports by WST …
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.
Second session – 25 April 2024
O’SULLIVAN STARTS STRONGLY IN QUEST FOR EIGHTH TITLE
Making his 32nd consecutive appearance at the Crucible, Ronnie O’Sullivan cruised to a 10-1 victory over Jackson Page in the first round of the Cazoo World Championship as he began his bid to win a record eighth title.
Reunited with former coach Nic Barrow, O’Sullivan – for once – admitted he is happy with his cueing and is playing as well in practice as he has for several years. Having lifted the trophy in 2001, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020 and 2022, the 48-year-old would go one ahead of Stephen Hendry’s tally of seven titles if he takes the top prize. Through to the last 16 at the Crucible for a remarkable 28th time, O’Sullivan will now face Ryan Day on Sunday and Monday.
The world number one has enjoyed a superb season, winning five titles, and victory in Sheffield would make him only the fourth player – after Steve Davis, Hendry and Mark Williams – to land all three Triple Crown events in the same season.
O’Sullivan told the BBC: “I played well and cued well. I’m mentally hard, I’m tough. I’ll be honest, I have played terrible for two years, I know I’ve won but that’s what I do, I win. I know how to win. That’s something I’ve been blessed with. I haven’t really cued smoothly, which is frustrating, but I’ve just started working with Nic Barrow, my coach who knows my game inside out. He worked a lot with Frank Adamson who’s not with us anymore, but was an amazing coach. I’ve decided I can’t really coach myself anymore, but I’ve felt pretty much as good the last couple of weeks on the practice table as I have the last six or seven years.
“I don’t lie when I say I’m not playing well, I know a lot of people think I am but I’m not a liar, I think most people know that by now. I say what I feel and I don’t care if I leave myself vulnerable. I have the confidence to back it up, I know the ability is there. It’s just about finding the right formula. I’m still going at 48. What is possible in this game? How long can you keep going for? Can I win a World Championship at 50? Who knows? I’m probably the only player that’s able to do that so let’s see.
“I’ve had the greatest career of any snooker player. How many people can say they’ve been the best or most successful at their job ever? I should pat myself on the back because I’m always pretty hard on myself. But the reality is no one’s achieved what I’ve achieved on the table statistically. If I’d had my head straight for 30 years I could have won ten or 21 world titles, who knows? But it’s great to find out, let’s see what can happen. The main thing for me is to enjoy the game.“
Breaks of 54, 52, 81, 122, 66 and 53 helped O’Sullivan build an 8-1 lead in Wednesday’s first session. He made a 79 in the opening frame today, before wrapping up the match in frame 11.
Page said: “I was like a rabbit in the headlights at the start of the match. Apart from making a century when I was 6-0 down, I was poor. My safety wasn’t good and I wasn’t getting chances. It’s tough playing Ronnie because you know you can’t miss. I usually enjoy playing against the top players – maybe next time I’ll be more used to it.“
Here are the images shared by WST
And some videos shared on YouTube by Eurosport
Ronnie wasn’t at his absolute best, but he played solid snooker, he didn’t take any liberties and, more important than everything else, he enjoyed it. He’ll play Ryan Day next. Happy days!
Ronnie O'Sullivan 