Snooker: O’Sullivan edges towards last eight

SHEFFIELD, England - Ronnie O'Sullivan edged closer to the quarterfinals of the world snooker championship after establishing a 9-7 lead over Allister Carter in their second round tie today.

The defending champion now needs just four more frames to secure his place in the last eight and join seven-times winner Stephen Hendry, who had earlier thrashed Anthony Hamilton 13-3 with a session to spare.

Scotland's Alan McManus has a 5-3 lead over Irishman Ken Doherty following the opening session in their second round match. McManus compiled back-to-back centuries midway through the session.

Michael Holt has a 6-2 lead over Steve Davis, winner of six world titles, who scored a century on his way to going 2-1 up. Holt, however, reeled off four frames in a row to seize the initiative.

Hendry said that despite the margin of victory he struggled to find his best form.

"In patches I felt good, but when the score goes to 9-2 and 10-2 it's very difficult to stay focused," said the 36-year-old Scot.

"It's nice to finish a session early. I now have a few days to work on the practice table and get back to the way I was cueing before the tournament."

Hendry, who last won the title in 1999, welcomed the news that the championship will remain in Sheffield until at least 2010.

"I'm delighted. I don't think any player wanted to see it leave Sheffield," he said.

Hamilton was disappointed at his failure to put Hendry under any pressure. He said: "It would have been nice to compete, but I wasn't really ready for this match. If it's not there, it's not there."

Hamilton believes O'Sullivan is still the man the beat in the tournament. "Someone has to put pressure on him," said Hamilton. "Ronnie's safety play is winning him games as much as anything at the moment."

- REUTERS