Rocket on fire in Sheffield
Mark Williams took the final two frames on Sunday afternoon to avoid losing to Ronnie O'Sullivan with a session to spare at the Crucible.
Last Updated: 29/04/12 6:14pm
Ronnie O'Sullivan is firmly on course to knock Mark Williams out of the World Championship for a fourth time in seven years after producing some scintillating snooker in the second session of their clash.
Having won the final three frames on Saturday night to move 5-3 ahead, 'The Rocket' proceeded to reel off another six in a row to move to the brink.
Indeed, it seemed possible the Englishman could be set to win with a session to spare until Williams took the final two frames to stay alive.
The pair have met in 2006, 2008 and 2010 at the Crucible, with the result going O'Sullivan's way on each occasion. Indeed, it is now a decade since Williams has beaten his rival, with his last success coming in the Thailand Masters.
Few favours
The Welshman did himself few favours in the second-round match with a plethora of mistakes that allowed his opponent to amass plenty of points.
A missed plant in the opening frame of the session allowed O'Sullivan in for a break of 107, while a run of 74 in the next left Williams stewing in his seat.
Scores of 51 and 68 meant it was a clean sweep for the three-time champion, who then returned to the table to knock in 128 and 93.
That made it nine frames on the spin for the 36-year-old from 3-2 behind, and a free Monday evening was by that stage looking a probability.
O'Sullivan had chances early in the 15th frame too, but two reds were not followed by colours and Williams seized his chance, making 86 to guarantee him at least another night in Sheffield.
The 37-year-old from Ebbw Vale, champion back in 2000 and then again in 2003, scrambled through what proved easily the scrappiest frame of the session to give himself a glimmer of hope.
