• World Snooker Championship

O'Sullivan two frames from victory

ESPN staff
May 5, 2012
Ronnie O'Sullivan has looked in good touch all fortnight © PA Photos
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Ronnie O'Sullivan stood strong in the face of a spirited fightback from Matthew Stevens to remain on course for the final of the World Championship.

Three time Crucible champion O'Sullivan wrestled the initiative on Friday and came into Saturday morning's session with an 11-5 lead.

Stevens made a decent start and played his part throughout the session but O'Sullivan landed the final two frames to lead 15-9.

Stevens needed a swift start and found it to land the first two frames to get within four. O'Sullivan stopped the rot by taking the 19th but his Welsh opponent grabbed the final frame before the mid-session interval.

O'Sullivan struggled for momentum and a tense, long tactical battle ensued in the 21st. It was Stevens who won the battle of wits as he closed to within three frames at 12-9.

O'Sullivan finally got his hand on the table in the 22nd, courtesy of a superb opening red, and he fashioned an 81 to take the frame.

Stevens had a chance to get his 10th frame of the match but he jawed a pink with the balls open and it allowed O'Sullivan to open up a five-frame cushion at 14-9.

A slack break from Stevens sent a red into the middle of the table and O'Sullivan pounced, rolling in a long red and knocking in a 37. It was not a frame-winning contribution, but after Stevens had knocked in a brilliant red he missed a brown to allow O'Sullivan to wrap up the frame to go 15-9 ahead and now needs just two more frames in the evening session to secure victory.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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