O'Sullivan looks to continue positive start

Ronnie O'Sullivan was today setting out to seal his place in the second round of the Betfred.com World Championship after launching his title bid in impressive style.

Watched by his friend, the artist Damien Hirst, at times O'Sullivan played kamikaze snooker. But mostly the three-time champion was at his brilliant best as he developed a 7-2 lead over Dominic Dale, the Vienna-based Welshman. They play to a finish this afternoon.