Ronnie O’Sullivan cruised to a massive lead over Jackson Page without really hitting top form, leading former world champion Ken Doherty to scrutinise his display. “I wouldn’t say it was his best performance but he did what he had to do, accelerated through the gears when he had to,” said Doherty in his role as a BBC pundit. “It wasn’t his fluent best because we’re used to seeing exceptional performances. But what he did do was, any time he had the chance, he put his opponent under pressure and didn’t give him a sniff.”
Meanwhile, six-time world champion Steve Davis was impressed that O’Sullivan avoided taking unnecessary risks and suggested that his name will be on the trophy at the end of the tournament. “Fast forward to two weeks from now and all of a sudden Ronnie O’Sullivan wins the World Championship, losing the least amount of frames that anybody’s ever lost because he’s so workmanlike,” said Davis. “That’s something that could happen. When he does decide to really harden down he’s exceptional.”
O’Sullivan is aiming to win an unprecedented eighth world title, which would see him beat the record he currently shares with Stephen Hendry. He looks set to make it to the second round but it remains to be seen if he will become snooker’s most decorated champion by going all the way.
Hendry, who was on commentary duties for the BBC , said: “It’s obvious, there has been an absolute gulf in class at the table this afternoon. Job well done from the favourite, Ronnie O’Sullivan.”
O’Sullivan knocked in breaks of 54, 56 and 81 to earn a healthy lead over Page at the interval before returning to make his 204th century at the Crucible. Page eventually got on the board with an impressive 142 break but O’Sullivan responded by clinching the next two frames to put himself within touching distance of victory.
The match will conclude on Thursday, with the action set to get underway from 1pm.
