Ronnie O'Sullivan: Three-time champion takes commanding lead into today's second session against Dominic Dale. Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire/Press Association Images
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We have lift-off: Rocket Ronnie back at the Crucible with a bang
WATCH: O’Sullivan narrowly misses out making early maximums at the Crucible.
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN YESTERDAY started the World Snooker Championship as we hope he goes on.
The Rocket impressed at the Crucible, twice flirting with a maximum, on the way to a 7-2 win over Dominic Dale.
The three-time champion last week attempted to pull out of the tournament before changing his mind when asked for written confirmation by officials. He has recently endured a financial battle with his now ex-wife and has long battled depression.
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But yesterday, after a nervous start, O’Sullivan delivered for the Sheffield audience – much to the relief of snooker chief Barry Hearn.
“I love the boy to death,” Hearn said. ”He’s a fabulous snooker player.
“Rather than people say to me, ‘Do you have a problem with Ronnie O’Sullivan?’, I wish I had 10 Ronnie O’Sullivans.”
A break of 113 in the eighth frame brought O’Sullivan his 100th century at the Crucible, and he threatened to make a 147 break on two occasions.
Dale will try to claw back the five-frame lead from 2.30pm today.
Watch one of those breaks from yesterday below – complete with the Eastern European John Virgo in the commentary position.
We have lift-off: Rocket Ronnie back at the Crucible with a bang
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN YESTERDAY started the World Snooker Championship as we hope he goes on.
The Rocket impressed at the Crucible, twice flirting with a maximum, on the way to a 7-2 win over Dominic Dale.
The three-time champion last week attempted to pull out of the tournament before changing his mind when asked for written confirmation by officials. He has recently endured a financial battle with his now ex-wife and has long battled depression.
But yesterday, after a nervous start, O’Sullivan delivered for the Sheffield audience – much to the relief of snooker chief Barry Hearn.
“I love the boy to death,” Hearn said. ”He’s a fabulous snooker player.
A break of 113 in the eighth frame brought O’Sullivan his 100th century at the Crucible, and he threatened to make a 147 break on two occasions.
Dale will try to claw back the five-frame lead from 2.30pm today.
Watch one of those breaks from yesterday below – complete with the Eastern European John Virgo in the commentary position.
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BBC Snooker Crucible John Virgo Pot Black Rocket Ronnie O'Sullivan Snooker World Championship