Fresh controversy surrounded Ronnie O'Sullivan today as he resumed his Betfair World Championship semi-final against Judd Trump.

Ronnie O’Sullivan admits Barry Hearn has the pulling power to ensure he is not lost to snooker forever.

Dennis Taylor claims there would be no tears shed among fellow players if Ronnie O'Sullivan carried out his latest threat to quit snooker.

Steve Davis believes Ronnie O’Sullivan’s latest retirement warning and admission that he returned to snooker just for the money could be considered “disrespectful”.

Ronnie O’Sullivan looked invincible as he produced one of snooker’s great sessions in building a 7-1 lead over Stuart Bingham at the Betfair World Championship.

Ronnie O'Sullivan's verdict after inflicting another defeat on Ali Carter was that he was already feeling the strain of the Betfair World Championship.

Ronnie O’Sullivan powered through to the quarter-finals of the Betfair World Championship tonight, but admitted he already feels worn out.

Ronnie O’Sullivan was today bidding to maintain his impeccable record against Ali Carter as last year’s finalists reached the climax of their second-round clash at the Betfair World Championship.

Ronnie O’Sullivan turned on the style just when he looked to be wobbling to stay ahead of Ali Carter in their Betfair World Championship second-round showdown.

Weary world number one Mark Selby staggered to a dismal Crucible defeat as his dream of completing snooker’s ’triple crown’ was dashed by a stunning Barry Hawkins comeback.

Judd Trump stayed ahead of Marco Fu but rode his luck to carry a two-frame lead into the final session of their second-round tussle at the Betfair World Championship.

Ronnie O’Sullivan returns to the Crucible today after a week in which many pretenders to his crown have fallen at the first hurdle.

Shaun Murphy felt the full force of an electrified Graeme Dott as the Scot hauled himself level in their high-stakes Crucible battle.

Six seeds have already lost at the Betfair World Championship but it was an entirely different sort of shock affecting a former Crucible champion this morning.

Judd Trump looked the part as he reached the second round of the Betfair World Championship this morning.

Stephen Maguire admitted he could not cope with the bizarre antics of Dechawat Poomjaeng as the world number 70 and 500-1 title long shot caused a stunning upset on his debut at the Betfair World Championship.

Judd Trump, Ding Junhui and world number one Mark Selby were today beginning their challenges at the Betfair World Championship as the seeds continued to fall.

Showman Judd Trump has come under fire from his oldest friend in snooker on the eve of his first match at this year’s Betfair World Championship.

Four-time winner John Higgins crashed out of the Betfair World Championship today as Mark Davis sent the Scot home.

Peter Ebdon and Graeme Dott took their gruelling Betfair World Championship first-round first-to-10 match into extra time today.

Shaun Murphy believes Ronnie O’Sullivan is already showing “ominous” form the in defence of his title at the Betfair World Championship.

John Higgins is today facing an uphill struggle to stay in the Betfair World Championship as the prospect of a major first-round upset loomed.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn has lodged a complaint with the BBC after it pulled the plug on coverage of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s opening Crucible match last night when victory was in sight.

Stiffer tests lie ahead but Ronnie O’Sullivan returned to snooker today with a victory and a performance that suggests he will take some stopping in the Betfair World Championship.

Ronnie O’Sullivan showed a little rust but it was largely superficial as he set about the defence of his Betfair World Championship title in impressive style today.

Ronnie O’Sullivan insisted he would be taking nothing for granted and enjoying the “adventure” today as he began the defence of his Betfair World Championship title.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed the warmth of his relationship with artist Damien Hirst was a major factor behind his decision to return to snooker after almost a year out.

Ronnie O’Sullivan will begin the defence of his Betfair World Championship title against Scotland’s Marcus Campbell.

Jimmy White is one win away from the Crucible after surviving his second qualifying match for the Betfair World Championship.