Third time's a charm for Ronnie O'Sullivan in round two win at the International Championship

Following a seven-week absence from the professional snooker circuit, seven-time World Champion O’Sullivan made his competitive return on Sunday with a 6-3 win over world women’s number one Mink Nutcharut.

But O’Sullivan looked sharper during his round two meeting with last season’s Rookie of the Year award winner He - registering a string of breaks in a fairly comfortable success.

It was the third time this season that the two had met on the World Snooker Tour and on both occasions the Chinese youngster had come out on top with wins at the Championship League and the English Open.

Just like in his first round tie, O’Sullivan went one frame down before stringing together four consecutive frames - with the aid of breaks of 73, 87, 83 and 70 - to take control of proceedings.

It seemed like the record 41-time ranking event winner was going to further his advantage again in frame six whilst on a run of 58, but world number 60 He pounced on a missed blue from his opponent and fully capitalised with a counter clearance of 67 to pinch it on the final black and stay in touch.

He had another chance to deliver a counter blow in frame seven after O’Sullivan notched up a 53, but missed a red to let his opposite number get away with it and complete the finishing touches for a 5-2 lead.

Contributions of 57 and 72 from O’Sullivan in frame eight - his seventh and eighth breaks over 50 during the match - helped him wrap up a very satisfying triumph and his first win over He at his third attempt.

Next up in the £825,000 ranking tournament for O’Sullivan is world number 26 Pang Junxu in the last 32 on Tuesday.

Pang recently reached the semi-finals of the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast where he bowed out to eventual champion Kyren Wilson. At the Nanjing Qinhuai District South New City National Fitness Centre on Sunday, Pang ousted Elliot Slessor, 6-5, in the round of 64.

O’Sullivan and Pang have played each other four times on the professional tour in the past, with O’Sullivan getting the positive result on three occasions; their three most recent encounters too.

For full details on the 2024 International Championship, including the draw, results, format, prize money and how to watch, please visit our tournament information centre here