O'Sullivan applauded for fine start

Ronnie O'Sullivan on Tuesday was setting out to seal his place in the second round of the Betfred.com World Championship after launching his title bid in impressive style.

Watched by his friend, the artist Damien Hirst, at times O'Sullivan played kamikaze snooker. But mostly the three-time champion was at his brilliant best as he developed a 7-2 lead over Dominic Dale, the Vienna-based Welshman. They play to a finish on Tuesday afternoon.

He told organisers just 12 days ago that he would not be turning up to the Crucible - reversing his decision 24 hours later. The presence of O'Sullivan had brought a buzz to the Crucible, and World Snooker chief Barry Hearn was thankful the sport's most exhilarating talent had joined him in south Yorkshire. "I love the boy to death," Hearn said.

Hearn added: "He's a fabulous snooker player. Rather than people say to me, 'Do you have a problem with Ronnie O'Sullivan?', I wish I had 10 Ronnie O'Sullivans."

A break of 113 in the eighth frame brought O'Sullivan his 100th century at the Crucible, and he threatened to make a 147 maximum on two occasions. It was a performance made all the more remarkable considering O'Sullivan's preparation for the tournament.

He potted nine reds and eight blacks in the second frame but could not find position on the next black, and then in frame seven potted 12 reds and blacks before rattling the 13th red around the jaws of a top pocket.

Seven-time winner Stephen Hendry might quit snooker before O'Sullivan does after revealing he will weigh up his future in the summer - even if he carries off another world title. Hendry has not triumphed in Sheffield since beating Mark Williams in the 1999 final.

By his own admission he "got out of jail" against Joe Perry on Monday as he won 10-9 in the first round. Defeat would have knocked him out of the top 16 for the first time since 1988. Hendry said: "If I win this thing I might still contemplate retirement. I've got a big decision to make at the end of the season."

China's Ding Junhui, who lives in Sheffield during the season, clinched his place in the second round with a 10-2 victory at the expense of Scotland's Jamie Burnett. Peter Ebdon, the 2002 champion, is making his 20th consecutive appearance at the Crucible, having made his debut in 1992. He led 4-2 against Stuart Bingham but will resume tonight trailing 5-4.

Stephen Maguire, the world number seven from Glasgow, crashed out in a late-night finish as he suffered a 10-9 defeat against qualifier Barry Hawkins. Hawkins had lost in the first round in each of the last five years, and was thrilled to finally register a victory at the Crucible. The Dartford man said: "It feels like I've won the World Championship."