O’Sullivan finishes with flourish in first round of Masters

Ronnie O’Sullivan put a mid-match stumble behind him to knock out defending champion Ding Junhui in the first round of the BGC Masters at Alexandra Palace.

Four-time champion O’Sullivan thrilled a packed crowd in the first match played at the tournament’s new home after its move from Wembley, claiming the final two frames to win 6-4 and finishing off with a classy 125.

O’Sullivan had led 4-1 and looked to be cruising through to the quarter-finals, but Ding’s fightback began with a fluked red and he levelled the match.

With the support of the London crowd firmly behind him, O’Sullivan flicked a switch and rediscovered his best form.

A break of 51 set him up to regain the lead before the century – almost a total clearance but the black stayed up – put an impressive seal on his success.

O’Sullivan will face either UK champion Judd Trump or Stuart Bingham in his next match on Thursday.