Rocket steadies the ship

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN believes he is finding the consistency that will one day enable him to be classed among the greats.

The unconventional star whitewashed Essex rival Brian Morgan 5-0 to reach the Citywest Irish Masters quarter-finals in Dublin yesterday. He is now just three victories from retaining his title and securing his second of the campaign. "You have to take your hat off to players like Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams and John Higgins," said the Rocket after setting up a last-eight meeting tomorrow with Peter Ebdon.

"Even when they are not playing well they are picking up titles. Look at Hendry, he's been doing it all his life. And I believe I'm starting to win matches when I'm playing badly. "I think I've been very consistent this season," added O'Sullivan, a winner of the Welsh Open and runner-up at the Wembley Masters and British Open.

"And if you keep knocking on the door enough, one day it will open. The sign of a great player is when you look at their record at the end of their career."

Certainly, world number three O'Sullivan was not at his best against world number 45 Morgan but didn't need to be. His top break was 66 in frame two and he also added two more half-centuries and a closing-frame break of 49.

Former world champion Ebdon has scored far better in his opening two contests. But not enough to frighten the title-holder.

"Peter may be playing well against other people but he's got to do it with me. He is a fantastic player and a tough opponent to beat. But now he's got to come to my world and do it against me."

O'Sullivan was less than focused after his first-round success but today he was in relaxed, upbeat mood and determined to keep hold of his trophy come Sunday night. For Morgan, it was a premature end to his season as he has not qualified for the final two ranking events.

Last night Ken Doherty beat David Gray 5-1.