Rocket blasts Dale at The Crucible

O’Sullivan prevails 10-2 in one-sided encounter.

SHEFFIELD:

Former champion Ronnie O’Sullivan completed an impressive first-round performance at the Snooker World Championship by defeating Dominic Dale of Wales 10-2.

Despite his recent threat to pull out of the tournament due to lack of motivation, the three-time former winner swept through, taking the three remaining frames with high breaks. He was helped by Welshman Dale leaving him plenty of easy starting reds, and nobody is more ruthless than O’Sullivan when given half a chance.

He twice threatened maximum breaks on Monday, and did secure his 100th career Crucible century in frame eight, as Dale’s early challenge faded. Victory was O’Sullivan’s first in a ranking tournament match since September and halts a run of four straight first-round defeats in major events.

Hendry through as well

Seven-time winner Stephen Hendry, without a title since 2005, prevailed 10-9 in a first-round thriller, the Scot surviving a tenacious fightback from Joe Perry.

Perry’s interest in the championships appeared over when Hendry raced to a 6-3 lead in the afternoon session, but he fought back to 7-7 in the second session. Hendry went 8-7 up, then 9-8 in front, but Perry was not to be silenced, setting up a gripping deciding frame which Hendry clinched after Perry missed a crucial brown.

Meanwhile, Hendry, who might retire at the end of the season, said, “If I win I might still contemplate retirement. I’ve a big decision to make.”

Barry Hawkins also cruised into the next round after defeating Scott cueist Stephen Maguire 10-9.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 20^th,  2011.