The latest clash between old rivals Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins is bubbling away nicely as they battle for a quarter-final place at the World Snooker Championship.
“The Rocket” looked to be closing in on the last eight when he powered into a 9-4 lead on Sunday evening, only for Higgins to peg him back as the Scot won the final three frames of the session to leave the match intriguingly poised. O’Sullivan, who had scored freely to open up that advantage, thumped the table in frustration after missing a red in the 16th frame, and must re-find his touch if he is to advance.
Two members of the “Class of ‘92”, the pair have 11 world titles between them with O’Sullivan hoping to move clear of Stephen Hendry by securing an eighth Crucible crown. Can his familiar foe derail that tilt at history? The match resumes just after 1pm BST.
Follow all of the latest from the Crucible in Sheffield with our live blog below:
Ronnie O’Sullivan frustrated as John Higgins battles back in tense Crucible clash
Ronnie O’Sullivan thumped the table in frustration as John Higgins reeled in the seven-time world snooker champion in an enthralling second session of their second round match at the Crucible on Sunday night.
O’Sullivan twice led by five frames and looked set to cruise towards the quarter-finals at the expense of the out-of-sorts Scot, before Higgins drew on his decades of top-level experience to end the evening just two adrift at 9-7.
A pivotal final frame of the session proved too much for O’Sullivan, who gave the cushion a painful rap with his knuckles after missing an early red, before Higgins edged over the line to finish much the happier of the two players.
Ronnie O’Sullivan vs John Higgins LIVE
Where is this one going, then? It looked last night like Ronnie O’Sullivan was cruising into the last eight, but things are seldom that simple against John Higgins, and the wily Scot pegged his old rival back. Can he maintain momentum and set up a thrilling finale? They are back underway just after 1pm BST.
