We love competing – Ronnie O’Sullivan explains success of Class of ’92

Ronnie O’Sullivan is in full control against Si Jiahui (Danny Lawson/PA)

Hard competition and enduring happiness are the reasons why snooker’s ‘Class of ’92’ have continued to hold the sport’s new generations at bay, according to seven-times world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.

The 49-year-old eased into a 6-2 lead after the first session of his Crucible quarter-final against Si Jiahui on Tuesday while John Higgins slugged out a 5-3 advantage over Mark Williams.