Ronnie O’Sullivan holds narrow Crucible lead over rival Ali Carter

The seven-time champion looked, at one point, to have scrapped out a 6-3 lead to take into Wednesday afternoon’s scheduled conclusion.

Ronnie O’Sullivan, left, appeared to bury the hatchet with old foe Ali Carter, right (Danny Lawson/PA)

Ronnie O’Sullivan had to settle for a single-frame overnight advantage as the opening session of his World Snooker Championship first-round clash against old foe Ali Carter failed to live up to its pre-match hype.

The seven-time champion, returning to the tour for the first time since dumping his cue after losing a Championship League match in January, looked to have scrapped out a 6-3 lead to take into Wednesday afternoon’s scheduled conclusion.