• World Snooker Championship

Rocket takes charge with two centuries

ESPN staff
May 6, 2012
Ronnie O'Sullivan is looking for a fourth world title © PA Photos
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Ronnie O'Sullivan made two century breaks in the opening session of the World Snooker Championship final as he built a 5-3 lead over Ali Carter.

O'Sullivan compiled runs of 117 and 141 to force his way ahead of Carter, who displayed grit to keep himself alive in the contest despite not playing with much fluency.

The Rocket answered any doubts about his motivation by flying out of the blocks, building a two-frame advantage with a 57 and then a 117 that would have sent a shiver of fear snaking down Carter's spine.

Carter, who lost to O'Sullivan in the 2008 final, got on the board thanks to an 84 that he had to really grind out, having initially struggled to put the cueball where he wanted. And he took the fourth - a scrappy, drawn-out frame - with a fine long green.

Carter should have completed the turnaround in the fifth, but he missed an easy red and O'Sullivan did not waste his chance to make it 3-2. Again Carter rallied, however, levelling after O'Sullivan agonisingly missed a red into centre pocket.

Then O'Sullivan slammed his foot on the pedal, throwing a devastating two-punch (92 then 141) to give himself the momentum heading into the evening's play.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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