Stephens in trouble as Rocket on a roll

Matthew Stevens is clinging on as he resumes his Betfred.com World Championship semi-final against Ronnie O’Sullivan this morning after enduring a devastating six-frame burst.

O’Sullivan has never lost a Crucible final and barring a spectacular turnaround today he is heading to the fourth of his career, as he leads 11-5 ahead of this morning’s play (10am).

There is now every prospect of the 36-year-old triumphing with a session to spare in the best-of-33-frame contest. The Rocket treated a rapt audience to breaks of 61, 62, 110, 98, 90 and 113 as he cruised into the lead.