Mark Allen passes judgement on Ronnie O'Sullivan's Crucible return: "That is ridiculous snooker"

O'Sullivan - who was making a record-extending 33rd Crucible appearance - was playing his first match on the professional circuit since the start of January when he deliberately snapped his cue in frustration at the behind-closed-doors Championship League Invitational, and withdrew from the competition with one fixture remaining.

After weeks of intense speculation as to whether he would compete at this year's blue riband event, O'Sullivan confirmed through TNT Sports a few days before the start of the final stages that he would be returning to the baize in Sheffield.

Kitted out with a new cue, O'Sullivan struggled for consistency and rhythm during his eagerly-anticipated first session against world number 18 Carter, although he still fashioned breaks of 107 and 85 in establishing a 5-2 lead.

An out-of-sorts Carter dug deep, compiling a century in frame eight before coming from behind to take frame nine on the colours and go to within one of his opponent, setting up a fascinating concluding session on Wednesday afternoon.

Returning the next day, though, O'Sullivan was simply sensational as he ripped the contest away from Carter with a five-frame winning streak.

Breaks of 50 and 59 helped 'The Rocket' win the opening frame of the session, before efforts of 117, 74, 123 and 131 contributed to a statement display from the seven-time World Champion, as he moved into the last 16 of the tournament for the 29th time in his illustrious career.

Six-time ranking event champion Carter largely struggled throughout the contest, and failed to apply real pressure to O'Sullivan who will surely face sterner examinations on his title credentials.

Whether matchplay rustiness or getting used to the dynamics of his new playing equipment, questions were asked of O'Sullivan's cueball control and long-potting during the match, but in the balls - especially in the concluding session - he looked great, and left an impression on pundits who were watching on.

“He can't play any better than that”: Mark Allen applauds Ronnie O’Sullivan

World number eight Mark Allen - who is in the same half of the draw as O'Sullivan - was an analyst for the BBC during the second session of the encounter.

The former UK and Masters Champion issued high-praise to O'Sullivan after the match: "We can talk all day about some of the mistakes Ali made, but you just have to hold your hands up sometimes and say: ‘That is ridiculous snooker from Ronnie O'Sullivan.’

"He can't play any better than that - that's flawless snooker for five frames. It was a close match 90 minutes ago and it turned into a comfortable 10-4 win."

Former world number one Allen feels that O'Sullivan is confident about his chances of winning a record-breaking eighth world title in the modern era over the next fortnight by saying: "Ronnie wouldn't have turned up here if he didn't feel like he was ready to win the tournament. He doesn't need snooker, he clearly wants to be here."

Allen wasn't the only multiple-time major title winner to hand out plaudits to O'Sullivan, as 1991 World Champion John Parrott waxed it lyrical about the break-building masterclass he had just witnessed.

Working with the BBC, Parrott said: "There should be a sign in the foyer which should say: "Quiet please, genius at work".

"We use the word "genius" in sport with people like Lionel Messi and players like Tiger Woods in his pomp. This boy is in that [bracket]. It's been over an extended period as well and when he plays, the cue ball sings."

Following a post-match interview that O'Sullivan gave to the BBC, Parrott added: "O'Sullivan seems in a very good place with the way he was talking there, he was very measured.

"His place for release is in that pit, out there in front of all those fans, making that cue ball talk. That's when he's at his best and comfortable. All the rest of it is periphery.

"What he was born to do is play snooker and when he's out there, he's at peace with it."

Next up for O'Sullivan is a last 16 date with world number 27 Pang Junxu, who defeated Chinese compatriot and number 12 seed Zhang Anda 10-7 in round one to record his first match win at the Crucible.

The two have met on snooker’s biggest stage before. On the opening day in 2023, then defending champion O’Sullivan defeated Crucible debutant Pang 10-7 in round one.

In big stage competition O’Sullivan leads their head-to-head record 3-1, although Pang won their most recent encounter - earlier this season in the last 32 of the 2024 International Championship in China.

Please visit our 2025 World Snooker Championship tournament information centre here for details on the draw, results, format and order of play.