Rocket remains on course

Ronnie O’Sullivan stayed on course for his fourth title of the season in Dublin tonight but was made to work hard for his latest Fáilte Irish Masters success.

The world number one defeated Londoner Barry Hawkins 5-4, coming from 4-3 down to reach the quarter-finals.

And with journeyman Gerard Greene next up for the ‘Rocket’, he is beginning to feel another trophy could be close at hand.

O’Sullivan did not produce the fireworks as he had done 24 hours earlier against Stephen Maguire.

“To be honest I didn’t feel like playing last night but I told myself I had to give it a go,” he explained.

“Considering how ill I felt I played very well. But tonight it didn’t really happen – but that’s snooker.

“I feel a bit dazed, but better than I did,” added O’Sullivan, looking to add the Irish crown to his wins at the Grand Prix, Welsh Open and Wembley Masters.

“As long as I concentrate on my own game that’s usually enough to get me through. As long as I keep my side of the street clean I should be OK.”

O’Sullivan’s top break was 85 in frame two and he also added further runs of 72 and 60.

Greene stunned 1997 world champion Ken Doherty 5-0 earlier in the day – the Irishman’s first whitewash for five years.

Paul Hunter was the last player to inflict that humiliation on the local favourite. But it was Hunter’s turn to get his comeuppance this evening, beaten 5-2 by Rob Milkins.

The Gloucester professional, through to his first quarter-final in 13 months, curtailed his usual attacking style for a more cautious approach and progressed with a top break of 47.

“My safety has been really good this week,” said the world number 28.

“It must have won me eight of the 10 frames.

“I know Paul wasn’t feeling well but he can still pot balls.”

Hunter will now fly home for further tests on a mystery stomach complaint while Milkins tackles Dave Harold, who beat Jimmy White 5-4.