Ronnie O’Sullivan cruises into last 16 of World Snooker Championship

Ronnie O’Sullivan required just 40 minutes on Thursday to seal his place in the second round of the World Snooker Championship with a 10-1 win over Jackson Page.

Resuming 8-1 in front after a dominant opening session on Wednesday, the world No 1 duly swept up the two frames required to book a last-16 clash on Sunday with Ryan Day. His victory was the 48-year-old’s most emphatic at the Crucible since his 10-1 triumph over Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh at the same stage four years ago.

Despite his convincing display, O’Sullivan said afterwards he was still below his very best form. “I know the ability is there, I’m just trying to find the formula sometimes,” he told the BBC.

“That’s what I’m always trying to do,” he added. “Just keep going. I’ve already broken the rules of snooker as far as I’m concerned, I’m still going at 48, 49, whatever it is. I’m just seeing what’s possible now.

“Can I win a World Championship at 50? Who knows? I’m probably the only player that is able to see that so let’s see, let’s have an experiment.”

Page, who had been restricted to just a hint of his promise when he racked up a 142 total clearance in the seventh frame on Wednesday, returned with his fate effectively sealed.

The 22-year-old was once again punished for running out of position in the opener, as O’Sullivan stepped up to take it with a break of 79, and more mistakes in the second wrapped up a quickfire win for the seven-time champion.