Ronnie O’Sullivan back with a bang as he races to emphatic win over Ali Carter

The seven-time champion looked close to his best as he swiftly set up a last-16 clash against Pang Junxu.

Ronnie O’Sullivan cruised into the last 16 at the Crucible (Martin Rickett/PA)

Ronnie O’Sullivan made a mockery of his recent period of inactivity by reeling off three centuries in five frames as he completed a 10-4 win over Ali Carter in the first round of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield.

The seven-time champion, who has not played on the professional tour since he crashed out of the Championship League in January, looked close to his best as he swiftly set up a last-16 clash against Pang Junxu.