Ronnie O'Sullivan took a commanding 6-2 lead over John Higgins in the first session of their second-round match at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield. The seven-time champion produced a stunning 137 total clearance as he dominated his old rival, moving closer to a record eighth Crucible title.
Former champion John Parrott praised O'Sullivan's performance, describing him as 'pretty evil' and the better player. However, he cautioned that Higgins is capable of turning the match around if he finds his top form. O'Sullivan's breaks of 86, 82, 137, and 92 left Higgins struggling to keep pace, with the Scot managing only two frames.
In other matches, Mark Allen defeated Kyren Wilson 13-9 to reach the quarter-finals, despite letting slip a 5-0 lead. Allen will face Barry Hawkins, who beat Mark Williams 13-9. After the match, Allen criticised Stephen Hendry for 'talking rubbish' about his shot selection.
Hossein Vafaei fought back to level 4-4 with Judd Trump, while defending champion Zhao Xintong holds a 9-7 lead over Ding Junhui. Neil Robertson squandered a 4-1 lead to end the first session tied 4-4 with Chris Wakelin.
