Snooker: Century breaks give O'Sullivan victory

Ronnie O'Sullivan beat Joe Swail 6-3 in the Benson and Hedges Masters at Wembley.

He notched two century breaks in six frames during his win.

O'Sullivan will now play Jimmy White on Friday.

O'Sullivan said: "I love the venue but for me there is too much emphasis placed on this tournament. If there were two or three other competitions down here there wouldn't be the same emphasis.

"But it's going to be war against Jimmy. I'm just glad I played him here last year. I went in too casual and Jimmy played a better tactical game than I did," added the 26-year-old Essex professional, surprisingly beaten 6-2 by the Whirlwind 12 months ago.

O'Sullivan opened up with a break of 87 and though Swail levelled at 1-1 back came the 'Rocket' with runs of 50 and 138.

His 23rd century of the season and 270th of his career is the highest break of the week so far. It took over the lead for a £21,000 top break prize set earlier in the day at 127 by world number one Mark Williams.

O'Sullivan missed a chance to lead 4-1 and Swail quickly took frame five and the sixth as well with his own ton to level at 3-3.

O'Sullivan's response was emphatic. He allowed Swail just 11 points in the closing three frames replying with 284 points from breaks of 87, 77 and 108.