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.