Seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan took a 5-3 lead during the World Snooker Championship last-16 match against Ryan Day. The 48-year-old Englishman has his sights set on an eighth Crucible title, which would surpass Stephen Hendry’s seven successes. In the opening frames of the match, O’Sullivan made impressive breaks of 123 and 84, but Day, the world number 18, fought back to level the score.
O’Sullivan managed to pull ahead, leading 4-2 with breaks of 83 and 51. However, Day responded with a 115 break, showing that he was not to be underestimated. O’Sullivan then extended his lead with a break of 92 in the last frame of the session. Day, 44, is seeking to advance to the quarter-finals for the fourth time in his career, having previously fallen short in 2008, 2009, and 2012.
The two players have faced off at the Crucible before, with Day losing to O’Sullivan in a close match back in 2006. Day reflected on this loss, acknowledging the lasting impact it had on him. The match between O’Sullivan and Day will resume on Sunday, with O’Sullivan holding a two-frame advantage. The match is the best of 25 frames, with the first to reach 13 frames declared the winner. Fans can expect an exciting conclusion to the match on Monday.