Rocket pegs back 'Shark boy'

Ronnie O’Sullivan put the bite on Stephen Maguire and did a favour for Jimmy White at the Embassy World Championship tonight.

The Rocket, pre-tournament favourite for the world crown, gained a 6-3 overnight lead on European Open champion Maguire, known on the snooker circuit as the ‘shark boy’ as he used to keep the fish as a hobby.

And their rapid session – with only one frame in excess of 20 minutes - enabled White to return to complete his marathon first-round clash against Barry Pinches.

There had been a danger White might have to kick his heels until later tonight had O’Sullivan and Maguire not sped through their nine frames in just over two hours.

O’Sullivan, beaten in the first round 12 months ago, made a hesitant start against the 23-year-old Glaswegian.

Maguire, the youngest player at The Crucible this year, led 2-1 on his Sheffield debut and then compiled 121 to regain the lead at 3-2.

O’Sullivan, trying to regain the title after a three-year wait, should have slipped 4-2 down.

However, Maguire, leading 61-0, suffered an unfortunate kick on a red, bringing an end to a break of 31.

O’Sullivan seized the opportunity to draw level for a third time. That error appeared to prey on the mind of the talented Scot, who did not win another frame.

The Rocket completed his third 50-plus break to go in front for the first time before a rash shot by his opponent presented another high-scoring chance.

Maguire, who beat White in the European Open final, failed with a risky attempt at a plant.

And the world number three from Chigwell ended a 109 clearance potting balls right and left handedly to save walking round the table.

He also took frame nine and now requires four of tomorrow morning’s 10 frames to earn a meeting with Devon qualifier Andy Hicks in round two.