Ronnie O’Sullivan is poised to join a select band if he completes his demolition of outsider Ali Carter during today’s conclusion of the 888.com World Championship final at the Crucible theatre.

Odds-on favourite Ronnie O'Sullivan is on course to lift a third 888.com World Championship title after taking an iron grip on his final clash with Ali Carter at the Crucible theatre.

Red-hot favourite Ronnie O’Sullivan seized the early initiative by winning three of the opening four frames in the 888.com World Championship final with Ali Carter at the Crucible Theatre.

Ali Carter, who five years ago was “happy to be alive” after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, is through to his first World Championship final after overcoming Joe Perry 17-15 at the Crucible Theatre.

Joe Perry overcame the fatigue factor to chisel out a two frame advantage over Ali Carter after the opening session of their 888.com World Championship semi-final at the Crucible Theatre.

Peter Ebdon pulled off a dramatic escape today to clinch his place in the third round of the Welsh Open in Newport.

Mark King showed no ill effects after his Dublin heroics as he coasted into the second round of the £597,000 (€909,400) Daily Record Players Championship in Glasgow today, beating Jimmy Michie 5-2.

WORLD number one Ronnie O’Sullivan has crashed out of the Embassy World Championship in the first round.