11-4 Rocket on verge of Crucible last-eight berth

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN was the new 11-4 favourite for the Betfred.com World Championship early on Sunday night as he sent a huge message to his rivals when drawing clear of Mark Williams to close at 11-5.

O’Sullivan won six of the eight frames in the second session and is just 1-100 to take the two frames he needs on Monday evening to set up a last-eight date with 2010 Crucible champ Neil Robertson.

UK champion Judd Trump is looking a rather forlorn figure in Sheffield this year but last year’s losing finalist did well to fight back from 5-3 in arrears to Ali Carter to end session two
9-7 up. Trump is 1-6 to advance.

Andrew Higginson was 40-1 for the title as he and Jamie Jones were level at 4-4 going into their second session on Sunday night. Barry Hawkins was 28-1 to go all the way as he led Matthew Stevens 5-3 before their second session.

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