World Snooker Championship 2024: Ronnie O'Sullivan in total control of first round tie

Ronnie O’Sullivan is coasting towards a spot in the last 16 of the 2024 World Snooker Championship after finishing the first session of his opening round match against qualifier Jackson Page 8-1 up.

Making a record-extending 32nd Crucible appearance, O’Sullivan is looking to complete a ‘Triple Crown Grand Slam’ for the first time in his illustrious career having won the UK Championship and Masters earlier this season, and claim a record eighth world championship title in the sport’s modern era.

‘The Rocket’ took control early on, making breaks of 54, 56 and 81 as he established a 4-0 lead.

His second Crucible outing, 22-year-old Welshman Page arrived in Sheffield in very good form having reached a ranking event semi-final for the first time in his career last month at the World Open in China. However, despite some brilliant single ball potting, Page was unable to get any sort of foothold during those first four frames, failing to convert slim pickings and being punished by his vastly experienced opponent who won the majority of exchanges.

On resumption after the mid-session interval, 48-year-old O’Sullivan turned it up a notch with a break of 122 - his 204th century at the venue - before depositing the next for 6-0.

However, world number 43 Page burst into life in frame seven, showing what he can do by rattling in a long red from O’Sullivan’s break off and compiling a brilliant total clearance of 142 - his highest break as a professional - as he got on the board.

O’Sullivan, though, had the final say of the afternoon as contributions of 66 and 53 helped him to a commanding seven frame advantage and just two away from the target of 10 frames.

The winner of five trophies during this 2023/24 campaign already, O’Sullivan wasn’t at his free-flowing, high-scoring best, but he looked focused and showed professionalism throughout the session.

The duo will return for the concluding frames on Thursday afternoon (13:00BST/14:00CEST).

Should O’Sullivan finish the task, he would face either Barry Hawkins or Ryan Day in the last 16 later this week.