Ronnie O’Sullivan made a commanding start in his blockbuster second-round clash with John Higgins at the Crucible, looking ‘pretty evil’ when on the balls, according to former world champion John Parrott. The Rocket breezed into the last 16 with a 10-2 demolition of He Guoqiang, but a sterner test awaited in the form of four-time champion Higgins.
Dominant First Session
The Wizard of Wishaw had downed Ali Carter 10-7 in his opening match and arrived in Sheffield after reaching the finals of the Masters and two ranking events this season. However, O’Sullivan seized control early in their best-of-25 encounter, leading 6-2 after Saturday night’s first session. He opened with a breezy 86 and followed up with breaks of 82, 137, 95 and 76, dominating proceedings while the Scot struggled to find his best form. Higgins scrapped to try and pinch the final frame but could not get the snookers he needed. Parrott felt 6-2 was a fair reflection of the play.
‘It’s absolutely the right result. If John could have got out of it 5-3 behind he’d have been delighted,’ said the 1991 world champion on the BBC. ‘I think on what we’ve seen on the play, 6-2 is definitely the right scoreline. Ronnie was pretty evil there amongst the balls and was definitely the best of the two players.’
Form and Confidence
O’Sullivan’s form had been slightly questionable ahead of the tournament after a quiet season, though he was brilliant at March’s World Open and appears to have continued in that rhythm. On Higgins’ chances of a comeback, Parrott added: ‘He knows he’s very capable of beating Ronnie 6-2. At the moment… usually if you want to turn a score around you’ve got to play great and you need a little bit of help. That little bit of help I don’t think is going to be forthcoming, so John’s going to have to play his top game because it doesn’t look like Ronnie’s going to dip any time soon.’
‘I think tinkering about and getting the method he’s happy with and hitting the ball, I think he’s really happy. I was talking to him the other night in the practice room and he’s saying it’s the best he’s felt hitting the ball, he’s really happy with the way he’s striking it.’
Davis Praises Mindset
Steve Davis also likes what he sees and hears from the seven-time champion during this event, as his chances of a record eighth title appear increasingly good. ‘I quite liked a couple of interviews he’s done. Very measured and I think he’s enjoying it and enjoying the challenge. That’s half the battle,’ said the six-time Crucible conqueror. ‘Sometimes he’s come here and he’s not been revelling in the attention. This time I think he’s got the right amount of ability to withstand all the eyes upon him. As a result of that, he feels more relaxed around the venue.’
Next Sessions and Other Matches
The clash of the Class of 92 legends is played over two more sessions, on Sunday night and Monday afternoon, with the winner taking on either Chris Wakelin or Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals. That game is level at 4-4, with play still to come on Sunday afternoon and Monday evening. Already into the quarter-finals are Barry Hawkins and Mark Allen, who both came through tough contests in the second round over Mark Williams and Kyren Wilson respectively.
Hawkins was delighted to see off three-time champion Williams, returning to the last eight at the Crucible for the first time since 2018. ‘To come here, play like that and beat him at the Crucible is a special result for me,’ said the current Welsh Open champion. ‘I’ve beaten him the last couple of times we’ve played now. I think in the past I had too much respect for him. I used to crumble against those sorts of players. I think in the last four or five years I’ve had more belief in myself and that has made the difference in the last few days.’
‘It was an amazing reception. I could see on the screen before I walked out that there was already a standing ovation. They weren’t standing for me, they were standing for the Class of 92. When I walked out, what a feeling, it is the best place to play when it is like that.’
