Ronnie O’Sullivan ‘was a bit scared about playing’ at Crucible before huge win

O’Sullivan’s display made a mockery of his recent period of inactivity.

Ronnie O’Sullivan is into the last 16 (Martin Rickett/PA)

Ronnie O’Sullivan revealed he was still ravaged by self-doubt despite completing a stunning demolition job on Ali Carter to secure his place in the second round of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible.

The seven-time champion fired three centuries and two more breaks over 50 as he took just 67 minutes to turn a tight and error-strewn overnight lead into a stunning 10-4 triumph over the double former finalist.