Liang almost finds way back until O'Sullivan recovers

O'Sullivan is bidding for a fourth world title at the Crucible Theatre and after emerging from Monday's first session 7-2 ahead – and needing just three more frames to secure a second-round meeting with Mark Williams – it looked bleak for Liang.

The 23-year-old from China – who trains at Sheffield's World Snooker Academy – had struggled to get going, highlighted by a top break of 39.

With most onlookers inside the Crucible yesterday expected O'Sullivan to swiftly finish their match and it seemed as if that was going to be the case when he moved 9-3 ahead.

But Liang – who was beaten at the quarter-final stage two years ago by O'Sullivan – refused to throw in the towel, reeling off the next four frames which featured two century breaks, the 127 being the highest of the tournament so far.

At 9-7, O'Sullivan – who shrugged off an official warning earlier in the match for a rude gesture after missing a pot – finally knuckled down and an effortless break of 73 finally secured victory and left Liang to rue his poor start to the match.

"Obviously trailing by such a big margin after the first session, I was relaxed because you feel deep down that the match is maybe out of your reach," said the World No 27.

"So I just wanted to go out there play my game, and hopefully to produce my best game for all the fans to see.

"This is the World Championship, it's the most important tournament and you always want to play your best in this one.

"After fighting back from 7-2 down to only 9-7 down, Ronnie must have been feeling some pressure, but in the last he proved why is the World No 1. He looked very calm producing that winning break.

"I think Ronnie will play better next round, I hope he does well, but now I have to learn from that match to help me for next season."

Liang's compatriot, and fellow Sheffield resident, Ding Junhui coasted to an 8-1 lead over Stuart Pettman, needing two more frames when their match resumes this morning to clinch a second round spot.

Also concluding today, Australian Neil Robertson leads Fergal O'Brien 6-3, while Mark Davis edged Ryan Day 5-4.

Bradford is to host a World Seniors Championship in November featuring six former World Champions.

Steve Davis, John Parrott, Ken Doherty, Dennis Taylor, Alex Higgins and Joe Johnson will be joined by fans' favourite Jimmy White as they play for a 50,000 prize pot. The final place will be contested between Peter Ebdon and the winner of the qualifying tournament.

The inaugural event will be held at Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford on November 5-7.

Matches will be played over three frames in the quarter finals, five frames in the semis and seven frames in the final.

Qualifying will be held in Cue Gardens, Bradford on May 28-30.

The players set to feature include Tony Knowles, Tony Drago, Mike Hallett, David Taylor, Dave Harold, Darren Morgan, Nigel Bond and Joe Swail.

World Snooker yesterday announced a three-year agreement to hold the Wuxi Classic in China.

The event will take place in Wuxi - the hometown of Ding in the Jiangsu Province - from June 2-6 as an invitational tournament, with plans to become a ranking event next year as part of plans to extend the snooker calendar.